On the steps of the Greene County Courthouse late Wednesday afternoon, Greene County took part in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence around the country in recognition of the semiquincentennial of the United States.
In an event sponsored locally by the Greene County Heritage Trust, participants and onlookers gathered in downtown for the ceremony, which included forty individuals reading portions of the Declaration of Independence, with an invite to those in the crowd to join them all for the final portion of the reading.
Following the invocation from Mayor Morrison, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Eliza Pittman of Girl Scout Troop 1090, and the America Creed from Jeannie Smith with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Cindy Sams led the National Anthem.
Performers from the recent “1776” presentation across the street at the Capital Theatre, performed a song from the show entitled “But Mr. Adams”.
John Wagner and Nicole Wagner attended the reading as George and Martha Washington.
A patriotic music medley followed the reading with the lowering of colors, conducted by County Major Kevin Morrison , VFW POST 1990 Commander Larry Henderson, Air Force Veteran retired Catherine Bacon and Courthouse Security Officer Mike Musick with the Greene County Sheriffs Department.
Jill Oberfeitinger led the audience in America The Beautiful followed by the ringing of the bells at First Presbyterian and St. James Episcopal churches.
Following the presentation , attendees were then invited for apple pie prepared by Chef Rushmie Purba-Bakshi and served by the Farm and Food Teen Training Program at the Rural Resources Farm and Food Education Center.
