From staff reports

STATE COLLEGE — Members of the Centre County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution traveled to Philadelphia July 2-5 to participate in events marking the nation’s semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration coincided with a record-breaking heat wave. Temperatures reached 103 degrees on July 2, 104 degrees on July 3 and 101 degrees on July 4, marking just the third time in Philadelphia’s history that the city experienced three consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures.

Despite the extreme heat, Sons of the American Revolution reenactors, volunteers and attendees continued with most scheduled events.

On July 2, the organization held a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Square behind Independence Hall, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the day the Continental Congress approved the document. Participants also toured the National Constitution Center.

The July 3 parade was canceled because of the heat, but attendees gathered that evening for the organization’s gala dinner at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. During the event, Benjamin Franklin reenactor and keynote speaker Brian Patrick Mulligan told attendees he would not have missed the celebration because the organization represents descendants of those who fought for and supported American independence.

Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the American Revolution President Dale Leppard led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed attendees as host-state president. Leppard and Centre County Chapter member Randy Brown were the only Pennsylvania SAR members to attend the national event.

On Independence Day, the organization hosted an educational showcase on Independence Mall featuring speakers, entertainment, author book signings and exhibits highlighting youth, education, veterans and public service programs.

Brown also attended the America250PA Commission celebration and reception at the Independence Visitor Center. Brown was appointed to the America250PA Commission in 2019 to help plan statewide educational programming leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Severe thunderstorms on the evening of July 4 forced organizers to postpone Philadelphia’s fireworks display until early the following morning.