So far, Philadelphia’s schemes to celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial have had their fair share of setbacks and doubters. Is it too late to make next year’s celebration of America our best yet?
Everyone, no matter who you are — whether you were born here, whether you came here from another country because you were being persecuted, or came here of your own free will for a better life, or if you came here against your will — every single person has contributed to the growth of the United States of America,” says Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia.
Our democracy’s beginnings have been on Val’s mind a lot. She’s a key player in the local planning process for next year’s Semiquincentennial, aka the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. [Editor’s note: Val is a Philadelphia Citizen board member.]
Next year should be spectacular. This is Philly, after all, where the thing happened, the birthplace of the nation. Early advocates had big ideas — Host the MLB All-Stars! And the Oscars! Eradicate a disease! Build a new subway! — and dreams of a $2.5 billion budget.
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