Independence Hall in Philadelphia (photo: Ian Karbal/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
On July 2, members of Congress will gather at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.
The serious event will be part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
It will be the sesquicentennial anniversary of the day in which the Second Continental Congress held its final vote on a resolution declaring American independence from Great Britain. Their reasoning was explained in detail to the public in the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified two days later.
Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle, whose district includes Independence Hall, says it’s the culmination of his efforts to organize Congress for the occasion.
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“Exactly two years ago, I launched an effort to bring members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, back to where it all began 250 years ago: Independence Hall,” Boyle said in a statement. “I am very proud and excited about this historic and unique event. It will be a unifying moment for Congress and our country at a time when we need it most.”
In 2024, Boyle introduced legislation to hold a commemorative joint session of Congress at Independence National Historical Park. Although that resolution was never passed and there will be no formal joint session, Boyle’s office says there will be a celebratory sesquicentennial event.
However, the event will not have a legislative component and few details have been released about the program or the number of members of Congress. Boyle’s office says more details will be announced in the next few weeks.
