Members of Congress meet at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to celebrate America's 250th birthday

PHILADELPHIA -- Members of Congress gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Thursday as part of America's 250th birthday celebration.

The bipartisan gathering marked the day in 1776 that the Second Continental Congress voted for American independence.

The Declaration of Independence was adopted two days later.

Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), whose district includes Philadelphia, helped put the event together.

"It will be a unifying moment for the Congress and our country, at a time when we need it most," Boyle said.