HOMER, N.Y. -- Cannons sound and bells ring in Homer as the town holds its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence.

This is the 13th year that Bud and his son Chip Jermy have hosted the reading.

After telling some of the history behind the country's independence, they invite community members to read the Declaration section by section.

"It gives you more of a sense of ownership to do it, also if you're reading the document you're more likely to remember it," said Jermy.

They also read the names of everyone who signed the Declaration of Independence from the original 13 colonies.