PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Dozens of mayors from around the country marched through Philadelphia’s Historic District together on Thursday to celebrate the semiquincentennial.
They marched around Independence Mall — making a symbolic pass by the President’s House exhibit — then around to Independence Hall and on to the Museum of the American Revolution for a program of speeches and reflections.
“This is an amazing day for our city,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. She said there was no better place for the mayors to observe the 250th anniversary of independence.
The @usmayors celebrate the #semiquincentennial with a march through #Philly historic area, including a pass by #PresidentsHouse pic.twitter.com/MYEEYFBMz4
— Pat Loeb (@PatLoeb) July 2, 2026
“The city tells America’s whole story, no matter how imperfect,” she continued. “Just steps from here is the President’s House site, where we are reminded that our nation’s founding promise and its unfinished work have always existed side by side.”
The mayor had sued to try to have the slavery exhibit at the President’s House — the former home to Presidents George Washington and John Adams — restored in time for July Fourth, but lost in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The exhibit remains half disassembled.
Nonetheless, Parker told the bipartisan group of mayors that the lessons remain.
“The U.S. Conference of Mayors has convened rural, suburban and urban America to come together here in the city of Philadelphia to recommit to our values and stand on our principles,” she said.
“Truth doesn’t weaken us; it makes us stronger. … Patriotism is not pretending our nation’s history is perfect. It is believing that each generation has a responsibility to build a more perfect union.”
WATCH: 250 people form red, white and blue ‘living Liberty Bell’ at Independence Mall
Pomp and Parade
Following the mayors’ march, the Red, White and Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade strutted its stuff through Old City in honor of July 2, 1776, the day the Second Continental Congress officially voted to approve independence from Great Britain.
The parade of marching bands, color guards, dancers and floats started at the National Constitution Center and ended at Carpenters’ Hall — a shorter route than anticipated due to the heat.
This is the third year that Historic Philadelphia has hosted the parade, welcoming bands and participants from all over the country.
Thirteen volunteer-made floats were pulled by wagons, each depicting a unique outlook of America.
Sea cadets marched with flags representing all 50 states. They were accompanied by fife and drum bands, paying tribute to music that rang in the country’s freedom.
MORE: Extreme heat seeps into July 4th weekend in Philly
Flag-raising at Betsy Ross House
More than 200 people attended a morning flag-raising at the Betsy Ross House in Old City on Thursday.
The event featured Ross herself. Children helped her hoist the flag up the pole as the crowd cheered.
MORE: As the nation celebrates 250 years, Ben Franklin Bridge turns 100
Philly’s July 4th festivities kicked into high gear — and high heat
Philly’s July 4th festivities kicked into high gear — and high heat
