More than 200 people packed Jim Thorpe’s Memorial Hall for a special program in celebration of American’s Semiquincentennial, a program presented by the Jim Thorpe American Legion Post 304. The event was relocated to Memorial Hall instead of the World War II Monument due to the excessive heat.

“This turnout shows that the town of Jim Thorpe is alive in national spirit for America, and needs more things like this, correct?” exclaimed David Gasker from the Jim Thorpe Semiquincentennial Committee. He was answered with loud cheers from the crowd.

Gasker thanked the SQC committee members and the Jim Thorpe Lions Club members for their hard work.

“When you surround yourself with great people, great things can happen,” Gasker noted.

The program featured members of the Jim Thorpe American Legion Post 304 presenting the color guard, with Commander Keith McQuait offering the Pledge of Allegiance and patriotic words.

“I’m truly honored to stand before you as we celebrate one of the greatest milestones in the history of the world; 250 years of the United States of America,” McQuait started.

“In a world where nations have risen and fallen, where republics have flourished and collapsed, the United States has stood for a quarter of a millennia as a constitution republic, founded on liberty, sustained by the rule of law, and defended by generations of Americans who sacrificed everything for survival.”

Becky McFadden sang the national anthem. The Invocation was offered by the Rev. Ronald J. Minner, pastor of the Catholic churches of Jim Thorpe. Musician Bill Schafer sang several patriotic songs during the program. Jeanette Richards led the crowd in singing “God Bless America.”

Also in attendance were athletes from Carbon County Special Olympics.

A highlight of the evening was the reading of the Declaration of Independence by students from the Jim Thorpe area: Emma Skrimcovsky, Otto Herman, Kylie Steward, Jagger McElmoyle, Chelsea Halenar, Konstance Volovski, Finn Heaney, Colton Chapman, Kayleigh Halenar, Bryce McElmoyle, Tobias Garner, Gabriella Cerra, Ilsa Herman, Lydia Steward, and alternate Xavier Boston.

Awards were also presented to winners of the student essay winners by Lisa Lux, sponsored by Shawn Kresge Services. Winners included Ashlyn Sutphin, Olivia Nelson, Miriam May, Anna Cunningham, Sophie Reeder, Miles Smith, Kayla Rodriguez, Kelli Brubacker, Giovonni Gonzalez, Elijah Klotz-Becker, and Kali Trexler.

Winners of the Jim Thorpe House Decoration Contest were also announced. They included Best Business: The Inn at Jim Thorpe; Best Night Time Display, Amy & T.J. Garritano, 415 South Street; Best Day Time Display, Cheryl Bing, 711 Center Street; and the Grand Prize Winner, Darlene & Bill Sterling, 87 Center Avenue.

A variety of events especially geared towards local Jim Thorpe residents are planned at the Fairview Hose Company Thursday evening; the Jim Thorpe Sportsmen’s Club Friday from 4 to 11 p.m.; a Community Picnic hosted by the Jim Thorpe Lions Club Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park; The Mauch Chunk Rod & Gun Club Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m.; and Sam Miller Field, JTAA, and Diligent Social Club at Sam Miller Field, Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.