KTVZ’s Lee Anderson recited the Declaration of Independence to honor the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The document, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declared the 13 American colonies’ independence from Great Britain and established the principles of liberty, equality, and self-government that have shaped the United States.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document of American history, outlining the colonies’ grievances against King George III and asserting the inherent rights and dignity of all individuals. It begins: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ The document goes on to list the colonies’ grievances against the king and to assert the authority of the people to alter or abolish their government.

The full text of the Declaration of Independence is available through the National Archives. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Declaration of Independence remains a powerful symbol of American values and a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and self-governance that has shaped the country’s history.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.