Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Philadelphia and Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks reported on July 1st, the introduction of a legislation that has passed in both, the Pennsylvania House and Senate. The bill pursues the creation and restoration of monuments, trails, and veteran memorials throughout the commonwealth as part of the preparation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The U.S. Semi quincentennial is the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in the nation’s history. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027, according to the America250’s Foundation website.
This same website on its ‘About’ section, indicates that all the initiatives and activities are catalyzed designed, and led by the U.S. Semi quincentennial Commission, established by Congress (P.L. 114-196), “to work with public and private entities across the country to make it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage all Americans, under the mission of inspiring them to renew and strengthen our democracy.”
Pennsylvania also has a commission that works for the state’s role in the events. The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semi quincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018, in line with the organization´s official website. “We on America250PA want to both preserve the legacy of our heritage and invest in the commonwealth’s future by repairing, restoring, and revitalizing our infrastructure. This legislation would seek to provide the framework and identify valuable projects for all 67-counties in Pennsylvania to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S.,” said Rep. Solomon.
Rep. Thomas added that “Pennsylvanians will be involved in selecting a lasting project for their region, and —in this way— be a part of the national celebration while celebrating Pennsylvania’s contribution to the past and the future.”
Important chapters of American history give meaning to the monuments and sites spread in the territory: Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 colonies, the city of Philadelphia was the nation’s capital until 1800, when the federal government moved to its permanent home in Washington, D.C.; and the site of the first and second Continental Congresses, the latter of which produced the Declaration of Independence, that sparked the American Revolution. The legislation was sent to the Governor’s office.
