Start your July 4th Holiday by observing the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts (AHAC) Fourth of July Parade.
The parade stops at the Granary Burying Ground on Tremont Street to allow officers and officials to lay wreaths at the graves of the patriots. Interred on the site are three signers of the Declaration of Independence–John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Robert Treat Paine. Paul Revere, Peter Faneuil, Benjamin Franklin’s parents and the Boston Massacre victims graves are also here.
The reading of the Declaration of Independence dates back to July 18, 1776, when Colonel Thomas Crafts, a member of the A&HAC, performed this duty for the first time.