Baker Joins Pennsylvania State Senate to Honor America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - The Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering Tuesday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to honor America's 250th birthday, said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).

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.

"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 offered a resolution recognizing the life and accomplishments of the Honorable William Penn, founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, upon the occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial. During her remarks, Baker also informed the audience that she was a proud descendant of passengers -- the Buckman family -- who traveled aboard the Welcome with William Penn. The Buckman family consisted of William, a carpenter, who settled in Middletown Township in Bucks County with his wife, Sarah, and daughters Sarah and Mary.

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.

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 Constitution.

Video of the full ceremony.

Video of Baker's remarks.