County Commissioner Joe Belcher recently hosted a group of fifth-graders from ArtSpace Charter School, who visited the Charters of Freedom Monument located on the grounds of the Buncombe County Courthouse.
The field trip allowed the students to view life-sized bronze replicas of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Commissioner Belcher said that he has as much fun as the kids when they visit the monument because he enjoys meeting with school groups and sharing the history behind the documents. He commented that students are genuinely interested in the history of the Charters of Freedom. “It really gives me a sense of patriotic pride to see the students so involved and excites me about the future leaders of our great country.” Belcher stated. He added that he is very grateful to have the monuments available for the children and citizens of Buncombe County.
Dedicated on May 25, 2015, the monuments were gifted to the people of Buncombe County by the non-profit organization Foundation Forward, based in Morganton. Founders Vance and Mary Jo Patterson created the foundation with the goal of placing Charters of Freedom monuments in as many counties across the country as possible. The Buncombe County monument was the third of its kind to be installed. “We’ve expanded quite a bit since last year,” states Patterson. “We now have monuments in Indiana and Illinois, another going under construction in South Carolina, and are approved in several other counties across the state and the country.” In addition, educational materials and resources are being created for the use of teachers who host field trips to the sites.