OFFICIAL STATE AIRCRAFT AND OFFICIAL FIREARM OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA - DESIGNATIONS |
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Act of Jun. 26, 2014, P.L. 783, No. 73 | Cl. 71 |
An Act
Designating the Piper J-3 Cub as the official State aircraft of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and designating the Pennsylvania Long Rifle as the official firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1) The Piper J-3 Cub is a small, simple, light aircraft, recognizable by its famous yellow fuselage and black trim, that was built in the City of Lock Haven, Clinton County, between 1937 and 1947 by Piper Aircraft.
(2) During that time period, 19,076 Cubs were produced in Lock Haven.
(3) With tandem seating, the Cub was intended for flight training but became one of the most popular and best-known light aircraft of all time among the military and civilian population.
(4) The Cub's simplicity, affordability and popularity invoke comparisons to the Ford Model T automobile.
(5) The Cub was modified and used by the United States Armed Forces during World War II for reconnaissance and as a hedgehopper over all kinds of terrain to carry personnel, critical supplies and important messages for the artillery and tank corps and cavalry and infantry.
(6) Pennsylvania's gunmaking tradition has played an important role in the development of the United States of America.
(7) During Pennsylvania's early history, settlers placed chief reliance on their rifles for sustenance, security and survival.
(8) The Pennsylvania Long Rifle, a unique firearm that was different in principle and outline from any other weapon in the world, was developed by skilled gunsmiths in the Moravian communities of Christian's Spring, Northampton County, as well as by artistic riflemaker Martin Meylin, in Willow Street, Lancaster County.
(9) The Pennsylvania Long Rifle was the first truly American firearm and, due to its exceptional accuracy and range, was considered the greatest achievement in the development of firearms during the 18th century.
(10) Playing an important role in the early years of the Industrial Revolution in Pennsylvania and New England, the Pennsylvania Long Rifle was also instrumental in the American fur trade and was carried west and south by frontiersmen as they set out to expand the boundaries of the nation.
(11) The Pennsylvania Long Rifle has been lauded for its beauty and craftsmanship, as well as the ingenuity of the skilled gunsmiths who crafted it.
(12) The color combinations, carvings, engravings and graceful slenderness of the Pennsylvania Long Rifle cause it to stand alone and remain unchallenged as a primary example of early American art.
(13) Future generations deserve the right to appreciate the heritage of this long-barreled rifle, born to artistic gunsmiths in the communities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Official State aircraft.
The aircraft known as the Piper J-3 Cub is selected, designated and adopted as the official State aircraft of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 2. Official State firearm.
The Pennsylvania Long Rifle is hereby designated as the official State firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 3. Effective date.
This act shall take effect immediately.