For Immediate Release:

July 23, 2016

Contact:

Anna Adams-Sarthou (Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee)
Lisa Marie Arieno (The Arc of Somerset)

PHILADELPHIA 2016 HOST COMMITTEE UNVEILS PATRIOTIC-THEMED SCRIMS THROUGHOUT CENTER CITY CONSTRUCTION SITES

Scrims Feature Notable Quotes from Past Presidential Speeches

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention today unveiled patriotic-themed scrims placed on construction sites throughout Center City. The scrims will be in place for the duration of the Convention to make the construction sites more interesting and visually appealing. They also highlight the many large development projects currently taking place in the city, showing concerted progress on long-term improvements around town.
 
“This project will provide a great visual for Convention guests and Philadelphia residents that will not only inspire them, but also acknowledge the development occurring throughout our city,” said former Pennsylvania Governor and Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee Chair Ed Rendell. “These scrims are a fun and educational way to showcase the city’s productivity while also beautifying the sites as we prepare for the eyes of the world to focus on us next week.”  
 
The Host Committee and the City of Philadelphia have been installing the scrims at various construction sites throughout Center City, including LOVE Park, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and 219 South Broad Street, the site of a Pearl Properties development.
 
The scrims feature quotes from remarkable speeches by political figures from both parties to enthuse visitors and residents about the history being made during the Convention. The quotes were curated and selected by the Host Committee in collaboration with the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. Some of the quotes include:

·       “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt
·       “Yesterday is not ours to recover but tomorrow is ours to win or lose” – Lyndon B. Johnson
·       “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone” – Ronald Reagan
·       “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly” – John. F. Kennedy
·       “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
·       “Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
 
“From top to bottom, our city is putting its best foot forward to welcome the world to the New Philadelphia,” City Representative said Sheila Hess. “These scrims are just a small part of the comprehensive work being done by a multitude of stakeholders as we make final preparations for the Convention.  We are thankful to the Host Committee for spearheading this and so many other initiatives that will make our city shine ever more brightly for the international spotlight.”
 
The Democratic National Convention will take place in Philadelphia July 25-28, 2016.