On Oct. 29, a group of citizens gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to read aloud the Declaration of Independence, which celebrates its 250 th anniversary in 2026. The purpose of the gathering was to highlight Thomas Jefferson’s words, his listing of tyrannical acts committed by the English King, George III, against the colonists, the future Americans.

Here are a few excerpts from the Declaration addressing the illegal abuses of the king against our predecessors, who became the Patriots:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Offi

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