The entire text of the Declaration of Independence was read from the east steps of the Historic Florida Capitol on Independence Day.
This was the 4th Fourth of July for the ceremony, sponsored by the local Vietnam Veterans chapter and Vet Events Tally. Among those who came to show their patriotic fervor, new American Amneris Coco.
"I became a citizen actually last year so this is incredible and a huge honor. I'm Mexican by birth and definitely American by choice!" she said.
Larry Thomas and his wife Jane were there, too. He thought the pioneer spirit of the colonists made the breakup with an overbearing England a near certainty.
"It gave us the ability to be in charge of our own lives and our own property and that's what this country is all about."
This was the 241st anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration. The actual vote approving the document took place on July 2, 1776.
