Patriotic Paperwork

Everything America is and everything we as Americans aspire to be began with one piece of paper: The Declaration of Independence. Upon its completion in 1776, a Philadelphia-based printer, John Dunlap, made copies of the document so that messengers could carry it throughout the thirteen colonies and read it aloud. Fewer than 25 of Dunlap’s editions remain in the world – and one of these precious documents makes a two-day stop in St. Louis. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 25, it will be at the Missouri History Museum (Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue; 314-746-4599 or www.mohistory.org); on Saturday, July 26, it’s on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Central branch of the St. Louis Public Library (1301 Olive Street ). All the hope, and defiance and commitment to an ideal – that we can take care of ourselves better than anyone else – that fueled the Founding Fathers is written down in elegant yet firm language that inspires and uplifts. “We mutually pledge each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor,” reads the last line; that’s America at it’s best right there, when we remember that we’re all in this together. Do not miss this opportunity to bask in our first great shared moment.
Sat., July 26, 2008