Rep. Watson Coleman Named to Semiquincentennial Commission

EWING, NJ — On Friday, February 22^nd, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi named Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the organization developing nationwide plans for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

New Jersey’s history is fundamentally tied to the history of the United States. Many are aware of the Battle of Trenton and General George Washington’s attack on the British Army in Princeton but few know that Washington spent more time in New Jersey than any other state during the Revolutionary War. The history of the nation’s fight for independence saw contributions from people of all walks of life in New Jersey, from soldier to everyday civilian contributing to the war effort.

“On a national level, I’ll represent and promote New Jersey’s Revolutionary contributions as a member of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission,” Watson Coleman said. “I’m eager to ensure that our state’s story is represented in the revolutionary heritage that unites us all as Americans.”

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez commented on the appointment, saying “the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence will be a moment for our country to come together and remember that we are all created equal and deserve the opportunity to achieve our limitless potential. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s leadership will assure New Jersey’s historic role in the American Revolution gets the appropriate attention.  People from across the United States and across the world will be inspired to visit our great state and see where ordinary men and women sacrificed so much to accomplish something so extraordinary. They will be able to stand where George Washington and his men crossed the Delaware and landed in Trenton, changing the course of the war.  They can visit the historic battlefield sites in Princeton and Monmouth, and see where Molly Pitcher saved the lives of countless soldiers and bravely took up arms, herself.  I congratulate my friend, Bonnie, on her appointment to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and look forward to working with her to showcase all that New Jersey has to offer on this exciting occasion.”

“I applaud Speaker Pelosi’s appointment of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “The proud history of New Jersey is inextricably tied to the events that founded our nation. As the only African-American woman and New Jersey resident appointed to this commission, Congresswoman Watson Coleman will bring a much-needed voice to that important story and I have no doubt that the commission’s dialogue will be better for it.

Sara Cureton, Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission said, “We are delighted that New Jersey’s rich Revolutionary War history will be so well represented by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman whose long support for history will be an asset to the Semiquincentennial Commission.”

“Crossroads of the American Revolution is partnered with the New Jersey Historical Commission to plan the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary,” said Janice Selinger, Executive Director of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. “We’re thrilled that Rep. Watson Coleman will be representing the state’s deep Revolutionary heritage on the national commission,”

Ira Jersey, chair of the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association said, “New Jersey’s unique position within the fight for independence makes it a crucial part of the full story of the American Revolution. Rep. Watson Coleman’s participation will help bring greater awareness of the everyday struggles of citizens and soldiers in which New Jersey was central.”