PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to honor America’s 250th birthday, said Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32).
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward presided over the meeting, which included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA.
“It’s fitting that we’re in Philadelphia, where our nation’s independence was first declared, to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial. Pennsylvania has always stood at the very heart of our nation’s story, and events like this remind us of our founders’ values and the sacrifices they made which shaped the country we know today,” Stefano said. “Seeing the students joining us here gives me confidence that the ideals that molded our country will endure through the next generation of leaders.”
The U.S. declared its independence in Philadelphia in 1776 and to this day the Keystone State continues to play a major role in the growth and evolution of the nation. The ceremonial gathering of the Pennsylvania State Senate is a historical tradition.
Stefano was joined at the ceremony by Gracyn Bittner, a junior at Conemaugh Township Area High School, who was chosen based on an educator’s recommendation. Gracyn, the son of Scott and Lisa Bittner, is an Eagle Scout and a dedicated student leader with a strong passion for American history and civic engagement. Upon graduation, he aspires to serve his country through enrollment at the U.S. Naval Academy.
“It really is special being here in Philadelphia for such a significant moment in our nation’s history,” Gracyn said. “I hope this moment will serve as a reminder to the leaders of my generation that it will soon be our duty to carry forward the ideals of those who shaped these past 250 years of our nation.”
Today marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence in 1926, and the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976. The Pennsylvania State Senate held a similar gathering in September 1987 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri, 717-787-7175