Highland Lakes

All Highland Lakes residents are encouraged to attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Lake Room on Saturday, July 4 at 10:30 am. Refreshments will be served.

It once was said: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

While the 4th of July is a great national kick-off to summer in our nation, it was approval of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, that provided us with the well-deserved reason for this celebration of freedom. Listen to the famous words of Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers, who risked everything to make the United States the first nation ever to be founded on universal principles of human rights and individual freedom. Learn why the Declaration of Independence expresses truths about mankind that people throughout the world have looked to as a beacon in their quest for freedom from oppression ever since and which, like an earthquake, jolted the foundation of every single government to come before it and after it.

Highland Lakes resident Ron Berutti, an attorney and a published author on topics of constitutional history, returns again to read the Declaration of Independence and provide some historical context for the Declaration of Independence. Afterward, an open discussion will take place as to the Declaration’s meaning, its important role in the eternal struggle for freedom, and its continued vitality in today’s world. Younger residents of Highland Lakes who may not know much about the story of the American Revolution or who question the relevance of the Declaration of Independence to their lives today are particularly encouraged to attend. Adult residents who can share their American experiences are also encouraged to attend, so that we can learn from one another about how the torch of liberty has been carried forward to this day, and how we can help carry it forward into the future so that freedom may be preserved for future generations of Americans.

This is the fourth year for this event. The previous readings were well-attended and well-received by residents of all ages, and a lively and civil discussion took place among those in attendance. If you missed the prior presentations and discussions, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to attend this year! You won’t regret it.