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Officials Hope To Lure Some Of The Millions Expected For Papal Visit To Montgomery County

By Jim Melwert

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (CBS) -- Tourism officials in Montgomery County are hoping to lure some of the millions of people who will visit the region for the World Meeting of Families to Valley Forge National Park for what's being billed as 'Valley Forge Family Day.'

Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro says the visit from Pope Francis transcends religion.

"He is a transformative figure, he is someone who is bringing people together when our society needs to be brought together."

And he says Montgomery County will have a front row seat.

Tourism officials debuted images of a new billboard, welcoming the Pope with the website, homeawayfromrome.com, as Pope Francis will stay in Montgomery County's St. Charles Boremeo Seminary.

And Valley Forge National Historical Park hopes to play host to visitors from near and far on Friday, September 25th, the eve of Pope Francis' arrival, with Valley Forge Family Day.

Park Superintendent Kate Hammond outlines a few of the events.

"Children will be able to join the continental army, learning how to march and drill as continental soldiers, musket demonstrations, ranger guided walks where visitors can learn about the 1777-1778 winter encampment."

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