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NATIONAL PENNSYLVANIA DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize July 20 as National Pennsylvania Day. Pennsylvania's nickname, the Keystone State, represents the central role we played in shaping our Nation. Our great Commonwealth was the second State to join the Union and continued to lead the way in making history.
As the first capitol of our Nation, many great decisions were made in Philadelphia. It was there our Founding Fathers authored the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution forming this great Nation. Pennsylvania served in an important role in key military operations. Valley Forge tells a story of sacrifice, leadership, grit, and determination when our rag-tag military was attempting to defy history and defeat a global superpower.
The Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point of the Civil War, providing the Union with the momentum to bring our great Nation back together. Our State continues to carry the legacy of many firsts, from the first American flag sewn by Betsy Ross to the first commercial oil well.
Our inventor spirit continues to weave through history, from Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton, and Jonas Salk. We continue to bring new and exciting ideas forward. Our legacy of American craftsmanship and work ethic runs deep, from our steel mills and coal mines to our farmlands and forests.
Madam Speaker, as a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, I am encouraged each and every day by the industrious spirit of our residents as we continue to build a bright path forward for our commonwealth and our country.
Happy Pennsylvania Day! I am proud to be from our great Keystone State.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 127
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