Boston Kicks Off Fourth Of July Celebration With Declaration Of Independence Reading

BOSTON (CBS) -- The words rang out in the same spot where they were first read to Bostonians 240 years ago.

A huge crowd gathered Monday morning for a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House--the same place it was first read from in 1776.

Boston's annual celebration started at City Hall Plaza, where Boston Mayor Marty Walsh spoke to the historic importance of Boston to the country.

"America's independence wouldn't be possible without the City of Boston and its people," said Mayor Walsh. "On Independence Day, we celebrate the immense pride and gratitude we have for our patriots."

After the ceremony, a procession was led to the Old Granary Burial Ground, where patriots Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and John Hancock are buried, before moving on to the Old State House and Faneuil Hall, where former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn gave remarks as this year's honored orator.

Flynn first served as orator of the celebration in 1986. Those who have held the honored position in the past include John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, Horace Mann, Keith Lockhart, and Julia Child.

Brigadier General Robert Welch of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company read the Declaration of Independence. A member of that company read the document from the Old State House balcony in 1776.

After the reading, confetti was released over the huge crowd.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

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• Declaration of Independence
• Marty Walsh