THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY CLYMER, READSHAW, AUMENT, BAKER, BOBACK, BOYD, CAUSER, CUTLER, DiGIROLAMO, FABRIZIO, GABLER, GEORGE, GODSHALL, GRELL, HAHN, HARHART, KAUFFMAN, M. K. KELLER, KILLION, KNOWLES, KORTZ, MAHONEY, MAJOR, MATZIE, MILLARD, MOUL, O'NEILL, PAYNE, QUIGLEY, QUINN, RAPP, REICHLEY, SAINATO, SAMUELSON, SANTONI, SCAVELLO, STERN, SWANGER, TALLMAN, VULAKOVICH, WATSON, COHEN AND HESS, APRIL 8, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, APRIL 8, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Designating April 12, 2011, as the official beginning of

Pennsylvania's Civil War 150th Commemoration.

WHEREAS, The American Civil War is recognized as one of the

defining moments in American history; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania occupied a pivotal location on the

Mason-Dixon Line that further added to its role as the Keystone

State; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania volunteers were among the First

Defenders to respond to the call for troops to defend the

capital of the United States in April 1861; and

WHEREAS, On April 12, 1861, a bill titled "An Act for the

better organization of the Militia of the Commonwealth" was

passed by both chambers of the General Assembly and was signed

by Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin; and

WHEREAS, More than 400,000 Pennsylvanians from communities

throughout this Commonwealth fought for the Union between 1861

and 1865; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 8,600 African Americans from

Pennsylvania volunteered as members of the United States Colored

Troops to defend their families, their homes and strike a

decisive blow for freedom; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's home-front efforts, rich farmland,

burgeoning industries, extensive rail transportation system and

unequaled medical facilities provided resources that were vital

to the Union victory; and

WHEREAS, The largest battle of the Civil War took place at

Gettysburg in July 1863 and resulted in a major victory for

Union forces; and

WHEREAS, The years 2011 through 2015 mark the

sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, and the 150th

anniversary of the American Civil War represents a significant

opportunity for Pennsylvanians to explore their collective

history, including the continuing struggle for civil rights; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania Civil War 150, a collaboration of

Statewide partners, has been planning events and public

programming for the four-year anniversary; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That April 12, 2011, mark the official start of

Pennsylvania's Civil War 150th Commemoration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage

citizens, groups and communities throughout this Commonwealth to

learn about and participate in events commemorating

Pennsylvania's importance in the American Civil War throughout

the sesquicentennial period.