Charters of Freedom Dedication Ceremony
Manning Monitor October 20, 2022

Manning is the site of the first Charters of Freedom setting in Iowa and only the second west of the Mississippi. This is a permanent display featuring replications of the United States Bill of Rights, Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Charters of Freedom and Freedom Rock Charters of Freedom Manning partnered with Foundation Forward, Inc. The North Carolina non-profit, started an educational project that promotes civics, education, and the preservation of American history. Through their efforts, over 30 settings have been dedicated across the country in nine states. Each setting includes the United States' Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution.

The settings are designed after the one found at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Further details and pictures can be found at chartersoffreedom.com.

Manning's setting was officially dedicated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14th. The founders of Foundation Forward attended in person to award the setting to the Manning community. Mayor Joe Maas accepted the award on behalf of Manning's residents.

The dedication included the Pledge of Allegiance by the Boy Scouts, Presentation of Colors by the local VFW, National Anthem by the IKM-Manning High School band, and canon volley.

The setting included a time capsule to be opened on the 300th anniversary of the United States Constitution. Day, September 17th, 2087. Attendees were encouraged to bring your business card to be included in the time capsule. Personalized pavers were purchased at the dedication ceremony.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CHARTERS OF FREEDOM
Your Charters of Freedom Setting is an Active, Hands-On, Educational Supplement to your schools' curriculum. It is a replica of how our original Founding Documents are displayed in the National Archives, Washington, D.C. where each parchment document is in a document chamber and covered with glass for close-up viewing. They are in chronological order with the Declaration of Independence (1776) on the left, four pages of the United States Constitution (1787) in the middle, and Bill of Rights (1789) on the right.

Your Charters of Freedom are here so you can experience the viewing of these founding documents in a permanent, proper setting in your community.

INTERESTING FACTS...
The foundation goes down 3 1/2 feet below the surface. It is reinforced with rebar, and then poured concrete. The rebar then comes up into a solid core of reinforced poured concrete. That center piece, just the foundation and core weighs over 38,000 pounds - over 19 tons. This core is then covered with a brick and mortar fascia.

There are six pages to the documents. All are life size which means the Declaration of Independence is a little larger than the others. Each document is on 1/4 inch etched bronze and each weighs over 60 pounds.

The documents are secured in their document chambers and then covered with 1/2 inch treated polycarbonate which is unbreakable.

The Seal on the front is unique.

Artists from around the world were commissioned to do this design. The Eagle represents the Declaration of Independence - Strong, Bold, Defiant. The Seven Stars above the Eagle represent the Seven Articles of the U.S. Constitution. The Ten Stars under the Eagle represent the first ten amendments - your Bill of Rights.

There are two plaques on the corners of The Constitution display: "We The People" and State Signers of The Constitution these are for rubbings.

There is an Information Plaque that talks about the original documents on display in Washington.

There is a vault in the back of the center setting. In the vault will be placed a time capsule and sealed. The vault and time capsule will be opened on September 17, 2087 - the 300th anniversary of our United States Constitution. All time capsules will be opened the same day all around the country.

This setting is built to last 300 - 500 years.