Declaration of Independence Ornament

• National Archives Store Exclusive
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Solid brass, electroplated with non-tarnishing silver finish, giclee print
• 2 X 3 inches
• Gift boxed

• Product Description

• The Declaration of Independence reminds us of our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Exclusive to the National Archives Store, this detailed and vividly colored ornament was made in the United States. A wonderfully patriotic and decorative piece, it deserves to hang in pride of place at any time of year.

Drafted by 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced that the 13 American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states and no longer a part of the British Empire. Instead, they formed a union that would become a new nation: the United States of America.

Today, the Declaration of Independence continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom and equality.

On December 13, 1952, the Charters of Freedom were permanently relocated from the Library of Congress to the National Archives in a procession of tanks in an armored personnel carrier. Upon arrival, the documents were placed in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete, bomb- and fire-proof safe.

The original Declaration of Independence is on permanent display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.