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Every July 4th the
Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery
Company of Massachusetts (i.e. A&HAC) reads the Declaration
of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House in
Boston, as part of Independence Day ceremonies
The event is preceded by activities at City Hall Plaza usually
starting at 9:00 a.m. at which time the Mayor of Boston speaks
to those assembled. A parade from City Hall Plaza to the Old
StateHouse follows.
The parade stops at the Granary Burying Ground on Tremont
Street to allow officers and officials to lay wreaths at the
graves of the patriots. Interred on the site are three signers
of the Declaration of Independence--John Hancock, Samuel Adams
and Robert Treat Paine. Paul Revere, Peter Faneuil, Benjamin
Franklin's parents and Boston Massacre victims graves are
also here.
The reading of the Declaration of Independence dates back
to July 18, 1776, when Colonel Thomas Crafts, a member of
the A&HAC, performed this duty for the first time.
The tradition has continued almost uninterruptedly by the
Company's commander since that time.
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