President Emeritus & Mrs. Mark F. Lloyd. Capt. & Mrs. A. Salisbury and Mr. & Mrs. A Morris, Chairman, Washington's Birthday Committee

Washington Birthday Bash A Hit - Senator Arlen Specter a Miss

The 268^th Anniversary of the birth of General George Washington was celebrated at The Union League of Philadelphia on Saturday, 19 February 2000. Over 240 guests enjoyed delicious hot hors d’oeuvres, a sumptious dinner of stuffed chicken breast saltimbucca and the music of Jack Keller.

After the Color Guard paraded 37 flags, and introductory remarks by President Emeritus Lloyd, the Master of Ceremonies Anthony Morris, VII, introduced special guest, Vice Admiral Scott Frey, USN, who toasted the memory of General Washington.

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of former Mayor Edward G. Rendell who delighted members and guests alike with his impromptu speech. He thanked the Society for its financial support in its pursuit of civic historic programs and expressed his personal appreciation to all those in attendance for their support during his tenure as mayor.

The honored guest for the evening, Senator Arlen Specter, along with his wife Joan, was unable to attend as expected. In his letter of regret, the Senator expressed his personal appreciation for support given to the Constitution Center. Once again, the Center was awarded a $20,000 contribution from the Society and its Color Guard for the annual printing of 200,000 copies of the booklet entitled "The Constitution of the United States." In turn, this booklet is distributed free of charge to school children and citizens at public events.

Dancing continued until 11:00 p.m. when the music ended and the remaining guests departed reluctantly.

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Letter from U.S. Senator Arlen Specter

Arlen Specter
U.S. Senator
Pennsylvania

January 26, 2000

Mr. Mark Frazier Lloyd
President, Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution
The Racquet Club, Suite 27
215 South 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Dear Mr. Lloyd:

Joan and I regret that a previous commitment precluded us from attending your annual George Washington Birthday Dinner Dance. We are very sorry we will miss it, as we understand that it is always a wonderful event with a great tradition.

As many of you know, the mission of the National Constitution Center (NCC) is to educate all Americans, and visitors from abroad, about the United States Constitution - its history and its importance in all of our daily lives. This museum will not only be an interactive visitor's facility, but also an Education and Resource Center which will include teacher-training institutes, and serve as a central source for teaching material and lesson plans for both in-museum and outreach use. I am particularly pleased to see its strong emphasis on education.

Joan, as the Capital Campaign Director, has filled me in on all the details, so I have become quite knowledgeable. I am, of course, personally interested, first as the original sponsor of the legislation creating the NCC, and also as one of the Senators along with Senator Santorum who urged the Federal government to commit $65 million to the NCC. My last meeting with NCC President Joe Torsella indicated that the museum continues to stay on budget and on schedule. I look forward to its opening in September 2002.

1 also want to personally thank the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and its Color Guard for your participation in the printing and distribution of the pocket edition of the Constitution. It is my understanding that thousands have been distributed throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the entire Country. Your active participation is critical to the success of this important project.

Joan and I extend our congratulations on your event and your continuing interest in and support of the National Constitution Center.

Sincerely,

Arlen Specter

AS/td