Honoring Declaration Day…

by reading The Declaration of Independence — out loud!

It’s a tradition at our house to honor the Fourth of July holiday by reading The Declaration of Independence — out loud! Not just for its historical resonance, but as a reminder of the power of declaration to disclose new worlds, and bring forth new possibilities in those worlds.

“We, therefore…mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

A declaration is a speech act, not just words — an action that (like an NBA ref’s foul decision, a pronouncement of marriage — or a Supreme Court’s ruling) establishes a new reality, by virtue of the authority (granted or seized) of that speaker to make that declaration.

It’s a powerful linguistic move. One that can change — and make history — for a nation, a player, a person. What declarations have you made — large or small — that have changed your life, or the lives of others? That have opened new words? Which declarations are waiting for you to make?