Three Special Events

Park staff were involved in providing support and assistance at three significant special events between April 28th and May 1st. The first event was a visit by Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer on April 28th and 29th. Breyer visited the park while in Philadelphia as a guest and speaker for the general annual membership meeting of the American Philosophical Society. Breyer and other distinguished guests were given tours of the National Constitution Center. Dignitary protection was coordinated through the US Marshals Service. The center also served as the site for the final evening’s reception for the annual retreat of Senate Democrats, held in Philadelphia from April 28th to the 30th. Governor Ed Rendell visited with the senators during the reception. Dignitary protection for this event was coordinated by the US Capitol Police, with assistance from numerous local and federal agencies. On May 1st, a crowd of more than 5,000 immigrants and their supporters rallied in the park across from the Liberty Bell for several hours. A large group of primarily Hispanic immigrants boycotted work and school to increase awareness of the rights of undocumented foreigners. Two large groups – one from the Philadelphia area, the other from nearby Camden – met at the 500 block of Market Street and joined forces to promote their cause. Numerous media groups were in attendance.