20020704 Morristown


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	Tuesday December 31, 2002




		Huzza For Independence

		Celebrating Independence as Did Our Forefathers 226 Years Ago

	By Jeanne Dikdan Gigli MORRISTOWN – As the sweltering crowd intermittently shouted "justice," "down with King George," "huzza" (an early version of "hurray") and "tyrant," they also listened to a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the lawn behind the historic Ford Mansion (Washington's Headquarters) at the Morristown National Historical Park. For on this Independence Day 2002, this was THE place to be to celebrate freedom. (above left and above Right) Park Ranger Thomas Winslow, tosting our freedom and reading the Declaration of Independence. (right) Mark Dwyer and Christina Krysiak, of the 2nd NJ Regiament Helms Co.




	Photos By Joe Gigli


	Witnesses of American Independence


				Photos By Joe Gigli

			By Jeanne Dikdan Gigli MORRISTOWN –As the sweltering crowd intermittently shouted "justice," "down with King George," "huzza" (an early version of "hurray") and "tyrant," they also listened to a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the lawn behind the historic Ford Mansion (Washington's Headquarters) at the Morristown National Historical Park. For on this Independence Day 2002, this was THE place to be to celebrate freedom. Thomas Winslow, a park ranger, was dressed in replica 18^th century clothing as he made the proclamation of freedom for the newly-formed 13 states that was finally approved by Congress on July 4, 1776. However, the first public reading of the document didn't occur until July 8 in Philadelphia.



			Adding to the enjoyment of the day were other park-goers also dressed in period attire from men in war uniforms and



	women in hooped gowns and straw bonnets of


	the day to children in rough suspendered overalls and aproned dresses.


							The reading was followed by patriotic toasts to freedom and liberty, something re-enacted from colonial times, when readings of the Declaration of Independence were often followed by receptions in which appropriate toasts were offered. Newspapers of the time published such toasts for all to read, hence perserving them for posterity. The toasts made for the celebration in Morristown were taken directly from Revolutionary-era newspapers, representing a variety of actual toasts given at such joyous events.





			Members of the 2^nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms' Company brought excitement to the 200-plus crowd with the firing of muskets or "feu de joie" (fire of joy).
			With a lump in her throat, chills down her spine and her two wonderful



	children at her side, this writer has never felt more proud and happy to be living in America today!


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