Governor, First Lady, Dr. Fisher Welcome Declaration of Independence to Tennessee

Governor Phil Bredesen, First Lady Andrea Conte and Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher welcomed a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence to Tennessee during a press conference today in the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville Public Library’s downtown branch.

The document – on public display through October 6 in the library, 615 Church Street – was brought to Nashville by Cricket Communications Inc, a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, in association with Declare Yourself, a nonpartisan youth voter initiative. The arrival in Nashville of America’s founding document has been timed to coincide with the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate at Belmont University on Tues., Oct. 7.

“I am honored to welcome the Declaration of Independence to Nashville for public display,” said Bredesen. “With the 2008 Presidential Election drawing closer and the Presidential Debate at Belmont University just days away, I hope the presence of this historic document will help stir our patriotic spirit and inspire all Tennessee voters to let their voices be heard in November.”

“These are the kinds of things we were dreaming about when we first heard that the debate was coming to Belmont, a celebration of democracy. It's an honor for Belmont University to be included in such a historic event,” said Dr. Bob Fisher, Belmont University president. “The Declaration of Independence reminds us of the noble principles our country was founded upon and puts in perspective the many reasons why the Presidential Debate at Belmont University on Oct. 7 is so meaningful.”

Nashville is the final stop of the Cricket Wireless Declaration Road Trip 2008 on a nationwide tour stressing the importance of exercising the right to vote. It will be on display in the art gallery of the Nashville Public Library’s downtown branch the following dates and times. Admission is free.