Deptford Township Council and the event department held two outstanding events this week. The first was the celebration of The First Flight in America which was held on Monday, January 9, 2017. On January 9, 1793 Jean Pierre Blanchard took off from the Walnut Street prison yard in Philadelphia in a hot air balloon. Accompanied by a dog, scientific instruments and a letter from George Washington himself, Blanchard flew over the Delaware River and landed in Deptford Township, New Jersey. This was the first manned flight in our country’s history. It was a spectacular event back then and is now one of the most historic happenings in our long history.
The second event was the annual Dr. Martin Luther King celebration of the fight for civil rights led by Dr. King. This was held at the Recreation Center on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Over one thousand residents attended both of these events. Deptford Township worked together with our school administration and teachers and together we involve hundreds of students in a great learning experience. Our Deptford teachers turn it into a fun educational experience. At the events the winners of poster and essay contests get gift cards, plaques and certificates from Township Council. Parents and family members also have a great time taking pictures and enjoying light refreshments after the events. These events touch thousands of people and are a terrific way to build our community.