Johnson County marks America’s 250th with Tennessee’s first Charters of Freedom display

MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WCYB) — As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, weeks of community support and volunteer effort helped bring a historic project to Johnson County.

County leaders dedicated Tennessee’s first Charters of Freedom display on Thursday at Ralph Stout Park in Mountain City. The permanent exhibit features replicas of some of the nation’s most important founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the four pages of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The display was provided at no cost because it is the first Charters of Freedom installation in Tennessee.

For leaders with the Mountain City Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the project began as a way to mark America’s 250th anniversary but became something they hope will serve future generations.

“About four years ago, the VFW started sponsoring the Independence Day parade because nobody else was,” Mountain City Former VFW Commander Daniel Parsons said. “Every year we’ve built on it and made it bigger and better. Last year we said, ‘For America’s 250th, let’s leave something here for future generations.’”

After contacting Foundation Forward in North Carolina, Parsons said he wasn’t sure when the display might become available. Then, about six weeks ago, he received word that the foundation could have it ready in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

“It went from a dream to reality in just under six weeks,” Parsons said. “Local volunteers, masons and businesses all stepped up. It really came together fast.”

The Charters of Freedom project began about 15 years ago after the founders of Foundation Forward visited the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and wanted to give other communities the opportunity to experience those same historic documents.

“They wanted to bring that same experience back to their hometown,” a Foundation Forward Director Michael Unruh said. “What was supposed to be one display has now grown across the country.”

There are now 79 Charters of Freedom displays across 19 states. The Mountain City installation is the first in Tennessee.

Parsons said the exhibit was donated because it is Tennessee’s first.

“Because this is the very first Charters of Freedom in Tennessee, it was provided at no cost to the county or taxpayers,” Parsons said. “The foundation simply asked us to help pay it forward.”

Organizers said the display is intended to give more people the opportunity to see the nation’s founding documents, especially as fewer students have the chance to visit Washington, D.C.

“The farther you get from Washington, the fewer people get to see these documents in person,” Unruh said. “That’s the experience we’re trying to bring to communities like this one.”

The dedication ceremony drew visitors from across the country, including members of Parsons’ family.

“This is a great thing. This is absolutely beyond I expected. I am so happy. I almost cried with him when he choked up there in his speech,” said Daniel Parson’s sister, Norma Parsons McPherson.

Leaders also announced plans to bury a time capsule to commemorate the occasion.

“This is such a beautiful thing for our county,” Johnson County resident Buffy Cornett said. “I love my county that I live in, and I love our country. I’m so thankful for my freedom today. I have family that are Veterans and it’s all about them because of our freedom. “