The Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering on May 8 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, said Sen. Lisa Baker.
The event brought together senators from across Pennsylvania and students from around the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. The ceremony was presided over by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward.
“William Penn’s vision planted the earliest seeds of American freedom — rooted in fairness, diversity and a profound commitment to ethical governance,” said Baker. “As we commemorate 250 years of independence, his example reminds us that true leadership begins with integrity, respect for all people and the courage to build a society where goodness can flourish.”
During the ceremony, Baker presented a resolution recognizing William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, on the occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial. She also shared her personal connection as a descendant of passengers from the Buckman family who traveled aboard the Welcome with William Penn and settled in Bucks County.
This ceremonial session marks only the fourth time in one hundred years that such an event has taken place outside Harrisburg. Previous gatherings were also held in Philadelphia for major anniversaries: in 1926 for the Declaration of Independence’s 150th anniversary, in 1976 for its bicentennial, and in September 1987 for the Constitution’s bicentennial.
The U.S. declared its independence in Philadelphia in 1776 and Pennsylvania continues to play an important role as part of this tradition.
