Talbot County celebrates the Declaration of Independence

Saint Michaels, Md. – On June 13, residents gathered at the Talbot County Free Library to learn about America’s founding documents ahead of the 250th anniversary of independence and sign them.

At the event, hosted by MidShore Constitution Alliance, a nonprofit focused on civic education and engagement, residents got to sign a 6 foot banner of the Declaration of Independence to celebrate all that the declaration means. Participants could sign either in person or virtually. State Senator Johnny Mautz (R – District 37) also joined in on the celebration.

“America is called the American experiment,” he said. “And we are an evolution in government.”

He said, though there can be problems with government, the “experiment” continues to live on and continues to grow. He said the purpose of that experiment — a more perfect union — could be found in the founding documents.

“In order to keep moving forward, have to remember what that purpose is, and that’s found in those original documents, the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution,” Mautz said.

For Vietnam veteran, Chip Akridge, the document is a symbol and a guide for his patriotism.

“A good background for what the declaration is all about, which is to do the right thing,” he said.

Richard Holman of MidShore Constitution Alliance says the event is about learning about the origins of civic engagement in the U.S. in the hopes to bolster it.

“Fundamentally, we want them to be educated and active and civic leaders around the concepts and in both documents, but particularly the Bill of rights,” he said. “How much freedom they have to be civic leaders and to grow their communities and grow personally.”

At the event, several Boy Scouts got in on the fun, getting to sign their names and meet Founding Fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson through augmented reality. For them, the event wasn’t just fun. It was a learning moment.

“Not a lot of people would get to do that and that it’s like you have to uphold what it states,” Tucker Cowee said.

“It felt very new to me. And I was kind of surprised because, like, I didn’t know you actually like, signed and everything. Things like, keep your promise. I’ve never heard of that before or done it. So, like, it was kind of a new experience to me,” Hugh Logan-Fort said.

The “promise” they are referring to is upholding the ideals the Declaration inspires. For Holman, that means encouraging the next generation of leaders.

“Focus on their integrity, their honesty, and basically be good problem solvers and commonsense leaders,” he said.

Boy Scout Samuel Logan-Fort said many changes have taken place throughout America’s 250-year history, which means there could continue to be exciting changes into the future.

“Personally, I’m excited to see future generations celebrate and have the joy that I will have today,” he said.

For many residents in Talbot County, signing this banner is about honoring a legacy, stewarding a future, and having hope for all of the anniversaries of independence to come.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on June 15.