Declaration of Independence Replica Was Defaced Outside Historic Courthouse In Putnam County

CARMEL, NY — Vandals in Putnam County marred an otherwise joyous celebration of America's 250th birthday.

Putnam County officials said a large replica of the Declaration of Independence displayed outside the Historic Courthouse was intentionally defaced on July 4, after residents had signed it during county America 250 events.

According to a statement released by County Executive Kevin Byrne, the replica was unveiled during the county’s “Putnam County Heroes: Battle the Redcoats” reenactment, where residents signed it “as a symbolic affirmation of our nation's founding ideals.” Byrne said the display was later shown during the return of the restored Sybil Ludington statue and remained on exhibit throughout Independence Day.

“On the afternoon of July 4, local law enforcement learned the display had been defaced with political graffiti,” Byrne said in the statement. He said the County Historian’s Office removed the display and that the matter was referred to law enforcement for further investigation.

Byrne said security footage from law enforcement personnel, along with surveillance cameras monitoring the Historic Courthouse and county complex, exists and is being reviewed “to help verify the identities of those responsible.”

The statement did not identify any suspects or say what message was written on the display.

“The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s founding document. Regardless of political beliefs, it deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” Byrne said. “Every American enjoys the constitutional right to free speech, but intentionally defacing a public display created for families to celebrate our history and heritage is not an act of civic engagement; it is an act of gross disrespect.”

Byrne said hundreds of residents signed the replica as intended during the county’s anniversary programming. He also said the county would not allow the vandalism to overshadow what he described as a successful local celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Byrne said his administration had secured a new replica of the Declaration of Independence. He said residents will be able to sign it during the Putnam Lake America 250 Parade this weekend and at the Putnam County Fair later this month.

“I encourage everyone who shares our love of country and appreciation for our nation’s founding ideals to stop by, add your John Hancock, and help demonstrate that respect for American history will always outweigh those who seek to diminish it,” Byrne said.