Most people think of Norman Lear as the cutting-edge television and film producer whose "All in the Family" thoughtfully explored social commentary through a situation-comedy vehicle.
Lear hopes his latest passion, a touring exhibit of his personal copy of the Declaration of Independence, will likewise stimulate thought and discussion that will spur Americans - in particular youth - to vote, exercise their rights and become active in their communities.
The document, now on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., will be a centerpiece of the Cultural Olympiad to be held in conjunction with 2002 Winter Games. Lear's print, one of only 25 remaining "Dunlap broadsides," will be on display in the Utah State Capitol Rotunda from Feb. 7 to the conclusion of the Paralympics, March 16.
Utahns and Olympic visitors alike should not miss this rare opportunity to view this historical treasure, produced by Philadelphia printer John Dunlap 225 years ago after Congress ratified Thomas Jefferson's document, which asserted America's freedom from British colonial rule.
Utah fourth and fifth graders will view the document during its visit, which should provide an exciting lesson in freedom and history.
Lear and internet entrepreneur David Hayden bought the document on a internet auction in 2000 for $8.14 million. Lear, now the sole owner of the document, says his goal has been to share it with others, thus the road trip, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Annenberg Foundation and private contributions.
Lear, in a meeting with the Deseret News editorial board this week, explained that one of the reasons that the document means so much to him is that it stirs the same feelings of patriotism that caused his grandfather to well up with tears when the American flag would pass by in any of the parades staged in his Connecticut hometown.
Lear wants the traveling exhibit, dubbed the "Declaration of Independence Road Trip," to rejuvenate America's civic traditions. At a time when America's way of life has been under attack, this page hopes that the road trip rouses patriotism that translates into meaningful action.
On behalf of all Utahns and Olympic visitors, we thank Norman Lear for sharing this precious document and his vision of a nation that appreciates that America's freedoms and opportunities require certain civic responsibilities.