Rhode Island Society Sons of the Revolution July 4th Event

The Independence Day celebration is by far the largest event that is sponsored by the Rhode Island Society Sons of the Revolution. The day begins at the grave of William Ellery in the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street in Newport. Members of the DAR hold a ceremony honoring Rhode Island’s signer of the Declaration of Independence with officers of the RISR taking part. At 10:00 am the RISR sponsors a rousing patriotic band concert by the Salve Regina University Community Band. Members of the RISR pass out flags and booklets to the assembled public containing copies of America’s historic founding documents. During this time the Colony House which was the seat of Government for the State of Rhode Island is open for inspection and tours. At 11:00 am a member of the RISR recreates the reading of the Declaration of Independence that took place on the steps of the Colony House in July of 1776 by Major John Handy. The Artillery Company of Newport follows with a 21 gun salute to the Nation using their battery of four cannons cast by Paul Revere in 1798. Following the ceremonies, members and invited guests typically retire to the White Horse Tavern for toasts to our Revolutionary War heroes followed by a luncheon and comradery.