Local news

County marks Constitution, heritage celebrations

BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Board of Commissioners made two proclamations commemorating historical events that occurred during this week in history.

The board recognized Sept. 17, 2024, to Sept. 23, 2024, as Constitution Week to mark the signing of the Constitution of the United States and Sept. 15, 2024, to Oct. 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month, aligning with the independence days of several Hispanic countries.

Representatives from the Bellefonte chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) attended Tuesday’s meeting, on the 237th anniversary of the Constitution’s signing, to discuss the document’s history and enduring significance. They highlighted, among other matters, how the Constitution continues to serve as the foundation of American governance today.

"The celebration's goals are threefold: to remind the public that the constitution is the basis of America’s heritage and the foundation for its way of life, and to emphasize US citizens’ responsibilities to protect, defend and preserve the constitution," said Becky Thomas, a member of DAR.

According to their website, the non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization was founded in 1890 with the mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Accompanied by Linda Call and Nancy Preston, Thomas spoke about their visit to Bellefonte's elementary schools to teach children about the Constitution.

On Monday, DAR presented each fifth grader in the district a copy of the Constitution of the United States to encourage their study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

Constitution Week was originally started by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance. On Aug. 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the resolution into law.

"We appreciate the work that Constitution Week does in Centre County to remind us of the founding document of this country," said Commissioner Mark Higgins.

Commissioner Steven Dershem added that, "The DAR and SAR are very fundamental in keeping those principles alive."

Afterwards, Dr. Melissa Landrau Vega and Sandra Gonzalez De Del Pilar, two community members representing the Latino community, accepted the proclamation naming Sept. 15, 2024, to Oct. 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month.

The celebration began as a week-long affair under President Lyndon B. Johnson, but was expanded under the Reagan Administration to the month-long celebration of today.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from mid-September to mid-October to coincide with the independence celebrations of several Central American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

According to the US Census Bureau, Hispanics comprise the largest minority in the United States, making up 18.9 percent of the total U.S. population.

"We are here and we make Centre County stronger," said Dr. Melissa Landrau Vega, director of the Penn State office of Scholar Programs program development division.

"I have called Centre County home for the last 28 years. During this time, our Latine community has grown from almost exclusively Penn State related folks to one that has welcomed dozens of Latine individuals and families who now touch every corner of our counties neighborhoods, industries, nonprofit and public institutions, schools and community organizations, and bottom line, many Centre County lives," Landrau Vega said.

"I think we are so fortunate in Centre County to be someplace people want to come and make their home," said Concepcion, who joined the other commissioners in emphasizing the value of diversity in the community

"This has been done today to bring us all together, to celebrate our heritage, who we are, what we bring and how we make this community richer," Sandra Gonzalez De Del Pilar added.

This past weekend, the Happy Valley Latin Festival kicked off the Hispanic Heritage Month festivities. Community members gathered in downtown State College to indulge in the food, drink, art, music and performances from Latino members of Centre County.

Commissioners encouraged residents of the County to spend the next month -- and beyond -- observing and celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Centre County residents -- and other American citizens -- whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.