Charters of Freedom dedication happening July 1 at Nevada Veterans Memorial Park in Sparks
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:40pm
Event Date:
July 1, 2024 - 11:00am The Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights are coming to Washoe County thanks to the combined efforts of the City of Sparks, the Nevada Veterans Memorial Park, and local residents Chuck Slavin and Mike Widmer, working with Foundation Forward, Inc. of Burke County, NC.
These founding documents, known as The Charters of Freedom, are being permanently installed at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Park located at 300 Howard Dr, Sparks.
The Charters of Freedom setting will be dedicated on Monday, July 1st at 11:00 am. The public is invited to attend this patriotic event.
Washoe County will be the 59th Charters of Freedom setting permanently placed in communities across the country by Foundation Forward, a 501(c)(3) educational Nonprofit created by Vance and Mary Jo Patterson of Burke County, North Carolina. The inspiration to set up Foundation Forward followed their first visit to the National Archives to see the founding documents.
Vance Patterson, Founder - “Seeing something our founding fathers had actually penned, and then seeing their signatures – Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Rutledge, Wilson and the others, I just got goosebumps. And, then when we moved over and saw those first three words of The Constitution, We The People, I actually got a lump in my throat.” “It was really an emotional experience,” Vance recalled.
The Pattersons now work to bring that emotional experience to communities across the country, having completed settings in Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Missouri, Florida and as far west as Wasilla, Alaska.
Foundation Forward’s mission is to install Charters of Freedom settings in easily accessible locations so communities can view these founding documents in a proper setting without having to incur the costs of traveling to Washington, D.C. These settings will provide a hands-on education in American History and Civics. “Imagine if you will school teachers bringing their 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes to their Charters of Freedom for annual field trips to learn a little about our founding fathers, the history surrounding the beginning of our country, and how the government is meant to serve and protect We The People,” says Vance in his dedication speech. This local access will also provide a place for citizens to gather, celebrate, honor, and reflect.
A Donors Pedestal has been erected next to the Charters of Freedom setting, and a Field of Honor with Legacy Pavers will be installed in front of the U.S. Constitution for Washoe County citizens to honor loved ones or to recognize active duty military or veterans, first responders, businesses, or organizations. These can be purchased from Foundation Forward for a tax-deductible donation when you visit www.chartersoffreedom.com or call (828) 522-1400.
About Foundation Forward, Inc.
Foundation Forward, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) educational Nonprofit. For more information visit www.chartersoffreedom.com or call Mike Unruh, Director of Communications and Resources, at (910) 508-3165.
