The Signing of the "Engrossed" Declaration of Independence
I was invited to appear as Thomas Jefferson on August 2, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the "engrossed" version of the Declaration of Independence, but I was a late entry and they filled the promised 90 minute program. Also, there was an actor who performed live and included some of the same excerpts from Samuel Adams' speech at Independence Hall on August 1, 1776, that I used in my monologue.
Whatever the reason or reasons my contribution wasn't included, I wanted to share it with you:
Here's my original post:
A blessed 250th anniversary of the day Samuel Adams spoke from the steps of Independence Hall, August 1, 1776, when he put into perspective exactly what we had accomplished in rejecting a man as our king.
I'll appear as Thomas Jefferson on Sunday, which is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the "engrossed" version of the Declaration of Independence. Though all present at the Continental Congress agreed on the final draft on the Fourth of July, a publisher made a larger version that was signed on August 2, 1776.
A group of organizations came under the umbrella of 250 Declaration to celebrate the day "America’s Founders signed the famous Declaration of Independence. Although they adopted its language earlier in July, August 2 was the moment that their names were fixed to a public document and their pledge became permanent."
250 Declaration is hosting a special in which I -- as Thomas Jefferson -- will reflect on that day, as well as on Samuel Adams' speech from the steps of Independence Hall the day before.
You can watch the whole program by clicking here.
Before performing my whole Thomas Jefferson monologue for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)'s Annual Meeting, I was blessed to lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance, as President Jefferson with the help of some of the Representatives and Senators of Kids Congress:
