Legislative committee hears plans for Philadelphia Army birthday and America 250 commemorations

The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held an informational hearing where organizers described multi-day Army birthday and America 250-related activities in Philadelphia, including a June 14 cake-cutting ceremony, parachute demonstrations and a mass reenlistment.

Chairman Jared Solomon, chairman of Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, opened the discussion by saying, "we are doing a informational hearing on the 200 birthday of The US, which senator Mastriano kicked us off yesterday in the rotunda with a very moving tribute, to those who are in the house and senate, who have served and are currently serving." Solomon said the committee plans to support commemoration efforts across the commonwealth and that "the America 2 50 commission is going to be placing flags on every service member's grave marker throughout the commonwealth."

Bridal Lierman, director of marketing and communication for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), told the committee the weekend’s activities will emphasize history, family programming and outreach to youth. "This weekend is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage," Lierman said, and she described a schedule that includes a 5K, a cake cutting at 10 a.m., parachute demonstrations and museum displays.

Thomas Long, an AUSA representative and veteran, described the event as a rare turnout: "It is a once in a lifetime event," he said, and outlined public elements including four birthday cakes, a reenlistment of 250 people on the mall, military vehicle displays and a family-focused program with rock walls and children’s activities.

Organizers said most programming will be outdoors and free to the public. Lierman said there will be a live stream of some ceremonies, though she cautioned that the stream will be a handheld/tripod setup and its quality is not guaranteed. She also said some commissioning and VIP elements require placement on a VIP list and security screening for closer access.

AUSA presenters listed community and ceremonial partners expected at events: SOCOM para commandos, the FastTracks parachute team, the Washington, D.C., Army band and other civic performers. The organizers said the Navy and Marine Corps have their own 250th activities later in the year and that Pennsylvania’s America 250 efforts include planting Liberty Tree saplings in all 67 counties.

Chairman Solomon and other legislators asked how members could participate; presenters invited attendance on Saturday, June 14, and described a Friday reception in Valley Forge and other weekend events. Presenters said the Philadelphia events are intended to be a nonpolitical celebration, to honor service and to provide outreach and recruitment opportunities for the military.

Committee Chair Jared Solomon closed the hearing and moved to adjourn after thanking the presenters.