Charters of Freedom finished and in place in downtown Asheboro

ASHEBORO— The Charters of Freedom monuments on Worth Street are now completed, waiting for a dedication date.

The monuments, featuring the founding documents of the United States, display the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and Civil Rights. There’s also a smaller donor pedestal, which is awaiting names.

The larger Constitution monument contains a time capsule at the rear to be filled with items that will be removed on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2087, the 300th anniversary of the adoption of the US Constitution.

The Charters of Freedom was founded by Vance and Mary Jo Patterson of Burke County after visiting the National Archives in Washington, DC., in 2011. Seeing the documents signed by our nation’s fathers was an emotional experience which they wanted to share withothers who may not have the opportunity to visit Washington.

So the Pattersons decided to bring the documents to the people, in the form of monuments that can be viewed by the public near their homes. They developed Foundation Forward, Inc., to do just that. Now Asheboro and Randolph County have their own monuments.

Michael Unruh of Foundation Forward said he’s been working with William Johnson, Randolph County assistant county manager, on a date for the dedication ceremony. Unruh said they’ve considered Oct. 2, the day before the Asheboro Fall Festival and also a day during the week of Oct. 12, which is Columbus Day. Or, he said, they could wait until Veterans Day on Nov. 11 when Asheboro holds its annual parade that ends on Worth Street.

Other considerations for the county include the singing of the National Anthem, a color guard and the speaking program. Those details will be published when they become available.