People gathered this Fourth of July to hear the Declaration of Independence read in a place where George Washington waged the fight for freedom.

The day started at the Ford Mansion at Morristown National Historical Park, where Washington once set up headquarters. Muskets were fired by Revolutionary War re-enactors walking the same paths Washington did.

“It helps them learn about the importance of the holiday, that it’s not just barbecues and swimming and beach, that it’s a celebration of those who sacrificed the ultimate,” said re-enactor Steven Santucci.

The march led to the Morristown Green because many people flocked to town greens across the 13 colonies to read the Declaration of Independence. For many kids in the audience today, it was their first time hearing the entire Declaration read aloud.