Read it again, John
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
It took a reenactor portraying Col. John Nixon all of 13 minutes to read a copy of "The Declaration of Independence" to a crowd gathered today in the park behind Independence Hall.
Col. John Nixon reads the Declaration of Independence.
It took a reenactor portraying Col. John Nixon all of 13 minutes to read a copy of "The Declaration of Independence" to a crowd gathered today in the park behind Independence Hall.
Just as the clock in the white tower struck noon, the hall's large wooden doors opened and a solemn Nixon emerged with the document in hand. He was escorted by two Pennsylvania regiment sentinels, each bearing long rifles with bayonets attached.
Nixon's impassioned reading was punctuated by shouts and murmurs from the crowd.
"Traitor!" yelled a reenactor wearing waistcoat, breeches and a black tri-cornered hat who was loyal to the crown. Another, who agreed that it was time for England's King George III to free the colonies, yelled out just as loud: "Tyrant!"
The Declaration of Independence was voted on July 2, and signed on the 4th. The first reading to the public was on July 8, 238 years ago today. Immediately after the first reading, a park ranger said, Nixon went to the State House and removed the royal colors on display there.
