Post resurrects Declaration of Independence tribute

American Legion Post 221 in Bedford, Mass., resurrected a July Fourth ceremony three years ago that includes a re-reading of the Declaration of Independence in the town’s Veterans Memorial Park.
Bedford (Mass.) Legion Post 221 Commander Jon O'Connor begins the recitation of the Declaration of Independence with help from John Cooper and Sandra Kee.
Bedford (Mass.) Legion Post 221 Commander Jon O'Connor begins the recitation of the Declaration of Independence with help from John Cooper and Sandra Kee.
Bedford Legion Post 221 members and local residents gather at Veterans Memorial Park for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, which was restarted three years ago.
Bedford Legion Post 221 members and local residents gather at Veterans Memorial Park for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, which was restarted three years ago.
John Monahan of Bedford Legion Post 221 prepares for the flag retirement ceremony.
John Monahan of Bedford Legion Post 221 prepares for the flag retirement ceremony.
Retired Air Force officer Rob Reyling salutes the flag during a flag retirement ceremony at Bedford Legion Post 221.
Retired Air Force officer Rob Reyling salutes the flag during a flag retirement ceremony at Bedford Legion Post 221.
American Legion Family members, Boy Scouts and local residents attend the flag retirement ceremony July 4 at Bedford Legion Post 221.
American Legion Family members, Boy Scouts and local residents attend the flag retirement ceremony July 4 at Bedford Legion Post 221.