15th Annual Declaration of Independence Reading

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – Last Friday, inside of Beacon City Hall, guests were transported to the late 18th Century, as a distinguished, white-haired man, clad in a sharp blue overcoat, gold-hued vest, and white stockings occupied the front of the court chambers, re-enacting a pivotal time in American History.

Portraying General Lord Charles Cornwallis, Dennis Pavelock, was not only entertaining guests on this July 4th holiday, but also helping address critical, societal issues: cherished traditions “falling by the wayside in villages and towns across America” as well as a declining sense of patriotism. It’s those very catalysts that propelled Pavelock, along with a handful of “Beaconites,” to form the grassroots Declaration of Independence Day Organization back in 2010.

“Our Committee portrays people from our past dressed in period dress outfits to do the readings as well as live re-enactments,” said Pavelock, a native City of Beacon resident, who aspires to do everything he can to give back to the community that helped shape him for 59 years and he adores. “We don’t just do our July 4 event, but ones all year round (including a huge 41 bicycle donation to youth and pumpkin carving gathering), before and after that date.”

With roots tracing back to its inaugural July 4, 2011 reading, the now 15th year patriotic venue has evolved to include an assortment of activities, ones aimed at proactively engaging audience members. Pavelock, in character as the British Army Officer, Cornwallis, injected an educational component into this year’s program, delivering little known historical facts as well as testing guests on their Revolutionary War time period knowledge with some fun, hands-on trivia, whose correct answers wielded prizes, such as fitting illuminating items for the Fourth evening celebrations.

“Did a woman ever serve in the Revolutionary War?” pitched Pavelock to attendees.
To the surprise of many, it was learned a Deborah Sampson, craftily cut her hair, dressed in men’s attire and adopted her brother’s name, ‘Robert,’ successfully covertly breaking men-only soldier barriers.

“She had a strong sense of patriotism,” said Pavelock about Sampson’s groundbreaking efforts. “Sustaining many injuries, she had a strong desire to participate in the Continental Army.”

Other trivia unraveled centered upon lesser known names of abolitionists, how many times the Liberty bell is rung on Independence Day and being able to recognize the first line of the Constitution, initiated with, “We the people.” Envelopes, some containing gift certificates, other fun historical facts, were also handed out to guests. A 50-50 raffle, offering a cash winning opportunity as well as one of several bouquets of red, white and blue flowers were also part of the approximately hour and a half program as was a projected YouTube Red Skeleton detailed explanation of each line of the Pledge of Allegiance prior to its audience’s recitation and local sibling youth trio National Anthem performance, serving as symbolic driving forces of why Pavelock stages this and all of his community events.

“This is why I like doing this Fourth of July event each year,” said Pavelock as he interacted with guests. “I want to really involve you in the process.”

It’s an involvement that extends to the reading of the Declaration of Independence whose beginning, stating the background for its formation, was read by City of Beacon Mayor, Lee Kyriacou, while the latter section, delineating the specific grievances of the people, was recited by Beacon resident, Emily Murname, a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. Audience members were mesmerized during the famous document’s delivery, once again showing the potency of this educational and patriotism-laden, much appreciated annual event.

“The reading was just so inspiring,” said a community member who approached Pavelock at the event’s conclusion, which was capped off with some celebratory red, white and blue cake and cupcakes in the courthouse lobby.

“Today and all of the events I do are about giving back to the community,” said Pavelock.”It’s just so wonderful to inform people about local, regional and national history that they might not have otherwise been aware of; that, and so much more, make all the work we put into these things so worth it.”