Earlier today, I had the privilege of spending the afternoon immersed in living history at Liberty Village. We gathered for three special events, each reflecting an appropriate sense of dignity, appreciation, and historical significance.
1. The Constitution & Bill of Rights Reading
Our first major event took place inside the nearly complete Green Dragon Tavern building. Dennis Leavitt, CEO of Liberty Village, opened the program by speaking about the significance of reading the Constitution on this day, within a building with an important connection not only to being the "headquarters of the revolution," but also to playing a vital role in the final ratification of our Constitution. Dennis, who is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), shared a powerful sentiment during his introduction:
"We are all here today making modern history in celebration of Constitution Day, with its unique connection with the original Green Dragon Tavern. Our goal is for this building to stand not only for our lifetimes, but also for those of our children and grandchildren, to remind us all of the foundations of the liberties we enjoy in this country. We invite all who visit to be actively engaged in the cause of freedom. All buildings here will eventually provide the finest experiences related to the founding of our nation that can be found anywhere in the world."
The reading itself was a communal effort. A group of about 55 participants took turns stepping up to a podium to read a paragraph of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, while the remaining attendees followed along in copies of the document provided to us. The entire session was recorded for future sharing. The readers represented a wonderful cross-section of our community—local school children, members of the SAR and DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), a county commissioner, and Jeff McKenna, the visionary who originally suggested building this replica here.
Once dedicated on October 2, this incredible replica will serve as a venue for all kinds of public meetings and events. In a few months, our Red Cliffs of Zion chapter of SAR will be moving our meeting place to the upstairs room of the Green Dragon. I also learned that it will be dedicated as a lodge for Freemasons, carrying on the rich legacy of the original building in Boston (which stood until it was demolished around 1830).
Sitting there, I reflected on the fact that in less than an hour, the entire Constitution and Bill of Rights can be read aloud. I hadn't read all of our founding documents in complete, serial fashion in quite this manner before. It was a refreshing experience, not because the information was new, but because I saw and heard it through new perspectives shaped by experiences in the intervening years. The wisdom (and human imperfection) found in those documents—including the Declaration of Independence, which I also read at home earlier that morning—is clearly evident to me. Their structure creates a lasting framework for liberty designed to endure for the ages. That reflection inspired me to write a dispatch earlier today summarizing the principles contained within those three foundational documents, the love of which I view as the keystone of true patriotism.
2. Uniting Our Voices at the Liberty Bell Replica
Following the reading, we adjourned outside to the life-size Liberty Bell replica. We participated in a synchronized ringing: a local student rang the full-scale replica while participants simultaneously rang small cowbells. It is part of a grand tradition connected to the Constitution. When the delegates finished framing and signing the U.S. Constitution at the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, the state house bell—along with local church bells across the city—rang out to proudly announce the completion of the document and broadcast the news to the public.
To honor that historic moment, communities, historical societies, and organizations (such as the DAR through their nationwide Bells Across America initiative) observe Constitution Day by ringing bells in unison. It serves as a symbolic, auditory recreation of that day in Philadelphia, uniting the "voices" of citizens in celebration of the freedoms and framework established by the Constitution. Following the bell ringing, historian Bill Norton gave a brief and engaging account of the rich history of the Liberty Bell.
3. Green Dragon's Role & DAR Plaque
Lastly, we headed back to the Green Dragon Tavern, where Jeff McKenna delivered an energetic account of the original Green Dragon's pivotal involvement in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His presentation inspired me so much that I spent time researching and writing another dispatch on that fascinating subject later in the day. Finally, the DAR hosted a special plaque unveiling ceremony celebrating the Revolutionary War heroes who helped secure our liberties as part of the 250th anniversary commemorations.
This plaque dedication marks the sixth such plaque dedicated in Washington County, Utah, this year. I learned that a total of nine have been dedicated throughout the entire state of Utah in 2026; however, the heavy concentration of these commemorations in Washington County is just one example of why the region is officially styled and referred to as "America's County." This moniker serves as a deliberate expression to honor its namesake, President George Washington, and to emphasize a deep commitment to foundational civic principles. The county uses this designation to highlight core values centered around protecting constitutional rights, preserving individual liberty, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining responsible, accountable local governance. It is fitting that Liberty Village is located right here in Washington County.
Both the SAR and DAR were wonderfully represented across all the afternoon's events.
While I would have preferred to have a photo of the new Liberty sign without a concrete mixer in it, I realized that it is a fitting reminder that the work of maintaining liberty is a continual work in progress.
Final Thoughts
Participating as both a citizen and our SAR chapter historian, I couldn't help but reflect on what days like today truly mean. We were remembering, celebrating, and making history all at the same time. I believe this is what happens when we step up and become actively involved in educating, engaging, and activating true patriotism with respect and a genuine search for unity. The day proved once again to me that we can each be an important part of living history, the ripples of which may last for many generations to come.
