The United States will celebrate its “Semiquincentennial” on the 4th of July and plans are already made to kick off this historic event with dozens of activities in the birthplace of the nation – Philadelphia.  

The plans have been in the works since 2016 through a group known as “America250” through an Act of Congress. Several enormous sporting events over a period of weeks will include the MLB All-Star Game (July 14), the FIFA World Cup 26 (June 11 to July 19), the NCAA Men’s March Madness (March 20 and March 22) and the PGA Championship (May 11 to 17) in nearby Newtown Square).

My favorite series of events will be sponsored by one of Philadelphia’s nationally known chain of convenience stores called WAWA. The multi-day city-wide festival planned by “WAWA Welcome America” will culminate in a massive July 4th concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, featuring free events, historical tributes, family activities, and iconic traditions like Wawa Hoagie Day, turning the city of my own birthplace into a huge patriotic party!

Bicentennial Year Provided Historic Events for Me

I will never forget how much the 200th anniversary meant to me and the historic life events I experienced during our Bicentennial Year. I graduated fom Temple University with a Master’s Degree in American History. In addition, I got my first job since I leaving the Vietnam War as a combat infantry platoon leader years earlier. I got hired by The Pottstown Mercury Newsaper as a reporter after having written a history of the Montgomery County city for the newspaper.

The Philadelphia area is now calling out to all of us who will want to honor our Founding Fathers and the writing of the historic document by Thomas Jefferson at his favorite table in the Indian Queen Tavern in the City of Brotherly Love. So, lift a glass of Madeira Wine — Jefferson’s favorite drink — and thank both him and the fellow who helped guide him in the document’s writing — Philadelphia’s most revered hometown dweller — Benjamin Franklin.