Rode a bus <br /> from Watertown, NY <br /> to Philadelphia, PA, <br /> in July 1976. <br /> Walked across <br /> J.F. Kennedy Blvd. <br /> Registered at the Hotel Sheraton, <br /> host of the Unity Church Convention. <br /> Touched the Liberty Bell. <br /> Toured the home of Dolly Madison, <br /> where she resided with Mr. Todd, <br /> her first husband. <br /> Signed and dedicated self <br /> to the new Declaration of Independence. <br /> The book was sealed later <br /> for a reopening in the year 2076. <br /> Visited Valley Forge -- <br /> where wagon trains were gathered. <br /> Viewed replicas of cabins, <br /> bunked in by Washington's army. <br /> His soldiers were ill clothed, <br /> went hungry and barefooted, <br /> due to a bickering Congress. <br /> Out of their pain <br /> was born our nation. <br /> Returned to Philadelphia, <br /> Attended a worship service <br /> at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, <br /> home of the Legionnaire's disease. <br /> Later the hotel was demolished.<br /><br />Gladys Henderson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/america-s-bi-centennial-celebration/
