PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering on Tuesday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to honor America’s 250th birthday, said Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and 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.
“This ceremony serves as a reminder that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today were built through the sacrifices and vision of generations before us,” said Yaw. “As we approach this significant milestone, it is important to reflect on our nation’s history, honor the values that unite us and encourage young people like Bailey to continue carrying those principles forward for future generations.”
The United States 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.
Yaw was joined at the ceremony by Bailey Ulmer, a senior at Montoursville Area High School, who was chosen to attend along with other students from across Pennsylvania as part of the A250PA Civic Learning Initiative.
During the ceremony, Yaw, an Army veteran, introduced a Senate resolution honoring The United States Army Field Band following the group’s performance. Yaw was joined on the resolution by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), both fellow veterans, in recognizing the band’s service, musical excellence and dedication to representing the United States Army across the nation and around the world.
Tuesday 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 United States Constitution.
Yaw’s remarks from the Pennsylvania Senate’s ceremonial gathering in Philadelphia are available here.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280