The citizens of Norwalk heard the Declaration of Independence read on the Town Green.
Photo credit: Joan Gaylord

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”

These immortal words rang out from the Town Green on Sunday, very much as they did 234 years ago. Norwalk saluted the Fourth of July by sharing its history, especially its ties to the American Revolution. Town clerk Andy Garfunkel portrayed Samuel Grumman, Norwalk’s town clerk in 1776. He read the Declaration of Independence for all to hear, part of an afternoon of activities hosted by the Norwalk Historical Society.

Across the street, re-enactors welcomed visitors to Mill Hill Historic Park where they could “meet” Gov. Fitch in his law office. Over at the school, visitors tried their hand at writing with a quill and ink made from berries. Madeleine Eckert, a member of the Society’s Board of Directors, gave a tour of the old cemetery and shared the stories of the early citizens buried there.

“We like the history of Norwalk and like to be involved on this patriotic day,” said Gaye MacLeod, who was touring Mill Hill with her husband Joel Zaremby and their son Bryce. They paused to talk with Gov. Fitch, played by John Atkin. “But then we are going to barbecue later today,” she added.

At 2:00, Norwalk church bells rang 13 times to honor the 13 original colonies, as they did in communities all across the country. Started in 1963 by a Congressional resolution, the tribute marks “the birth of our country as a free and independent nation.”