They're the words that changed the world.

Two hundred and 50 years to the day when the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud in Pennsylvania, the town of Westport joined communities across the nation in a simultaneous reading of the historic document at the Westport Library.

"We hold these truths to be self evident," executive director of the Westport Museum, Ramin Ganeshram recited. "That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights... that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

'America 250' is the official national initiative commemorating the semiquincentennial of the United States of America.

Organizers say 'America 250 Hawaii' spearheaded the simultaneous reading across all 50 states, 16 territories and nine time zones.

"This is a historic moment," Kelle Cox Ruden, of the Drum Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution says, "and it's creating a new historic moment for America 250."

Four Connecticut residents signed the Declaration of Independence, including Roger Sherman.

People in Westport say they could feel the weight of the moment, as the rest of the country chimed in on the simultaneous reading on the same day.

"This is important," Nancy Kail of Westport says. "This was the founding of our country, and the principles that it's based on. It's up for interpretation, certainly, but you can't go forward with the future productively if you don't know where we came from."