Philadelphia - The Pennsylvania National Guard traces its roots to Benjamin Franklin. A 2pm ceremony hosted by Independence National Historical Park, the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Philadelphia Flag Day Association will include a procession of military units from past and present. Participants include Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod (Independence National Historical Park), Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig (Adjutant General of PA), Maj. Gen. Randall Marchi (Deputy Adjutant General - Army, PA National Guard),Brig. Gen. Anthony Carrelli (Deputy Adjutant General - Air, PA National Guard) and Joseph Seymour (Army National Guard Historian with the U.S. Center of Military History at Fort McNair). Approximately 100 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from units that trace their lineage to Franklin will join in a parade on Independence Mall.
Who:Soldiers and Airmen from the PA National Guard
What:Ceremony and military parade
Where:Independence Mall, next to the Liberty Bell Center
When:Saturday, December 7, 2013, 2:00 - 2:30 pm (no rain date)
Why:December 7 marks the 266th anniversary of the Pennsylvania National Guard, a group that can trace its roots to Benjamin Franklin
Following the outdoor program, a National Park Ranger will lead an indoor program on the roll of the Pennsylvania Associators (Pennsylvania's original guard) during the Continental Army's daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776. "Washington's Crossing" will be held in the Second Bank of the United States from 3:00 - 3:30 pm.
www.nps.gov/inde
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
