The public is invited to attend this patriotic event.

TRENTON – The Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Civil Rights Amendments are coming to Jones County thanks to the combined efforts of the County, working with Foundation Forward, Inc. of Burke County, NC.  These founding documents, known as The Charters of Freedom, are being permanently installed at the Jones County Civic Center, located at 832 NC Hwy 58 South, Trenton, NC 28585.

Jones County will be the 61st Charters of Freedom setting permanently placed in communities across the country by Foundation Forward, a 501(c)(3) educational Nonprofit created by Vance and Mary Jo Patterson of Burke County, North Carolina. The inspiration to set up Foundation Forward followed their first visit to the National Archives to see the founding documents.

Vance Patterson, Founder - “Seeing something our founding fathers had actually penned, and then seeing their signatures – Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Rutledge, Wilson and the others, I just got goosebumps.  And, then when we moved over and saw those first three words of The Constitution, We The People, I actually got a lump in my throat.”  “It was really an emotional experience,” Vance recalled.  

The Pattersons now work to bring that emotional experience to communities across the country, having completed settings in Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Missouri, Florida, California and as far west as Wasilla, Alaska.  

Foundation Forward’s mission is to install Charters of Freedom settings in easily accessible locations so communities can view these founding documents in a proper setting without having to incur the costs of traveling to Washington, D.C.  These settings will provide a hands-on education in American History and Civics.  “Imagine if you will school teachers bringing their 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes to their Charters of Freedom for annual field trips to learn a little about our founding fathers, the history surrounding the beginning of our country, and how the government is meant to serve and protect We The People,” says Vance in his dedication speech.  This local access will also provide a place for citizens to gather, celebrate, honor and reflect.  

A Donors Pedestal has been erected next to the Charters of Freedom setting, and a Field of Honor with Legacy Pavers will be installed in front of the U.S. Constitution for Jones County citizens to honor loved ones or to recognize active duty military or veterans, first responders, businesses, or organizations.  These can be purchased from Foundation Forward for a tax-deductible donation when you visit www.chartersoffreedom.com or call (828) 522-1400.