Below is a copy of the speech made by the Daughters of the American Revolution upon presenting a copy of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Charlotte Observer 5/21/1922, p. 7

Declaration Is Given Pershing  

Signers’ Chapter Present Exact Copy.  

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Mrs. Parks Kirkpatrick Makes Speech of Presentation on Behalf of D. A. R.

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            Wrapped in the folds of the state flag, an exact copy of the Mecklenburg Declaration of independence was presented to General John J. Pershing by Mrs. Park Kirkpatrick, regent of the Signers’ chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution about 4:30 Saturday afternoon at the Manufactures’ club.

            Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s presentation speech was as follows:

            “General Pershing it is my privilege and pleasure as the regent of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to bring you greetings from our chapter and to thank you for your distinguished presence in our city on May the Twentieth, which is our chapter day.

            “Our chapter is composed of the lineal descendants of the Mecklenburg signers and we feel that we are indeed fortunate to have this opportunity of meeting you and we beg you on behalf of our chapter to accept this small token of our appreciation of your valiant leadership of our American expeditionary forces in France which was characterized by the same spirit of revolt against tyranny and oppression that prompted the singing by our sturdy forefathers of this famous celebration that we celebrate today.

            “Wrapped within the folds of the flag of the “old North State,” which bears the date of May the Twentieth, 1775, you will find an exact copy of this Mecklenburg declaration.  We ask you to accept this with the admiration and esteem of every member