I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring legislation to designate April 18th as First Defenders Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in recognition of the brave Pennsylvanians who were among the very first to respond to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers at the dawn of the Civil War.

On April 18, 1861, just days after the start of the Battle of Fort Sumter, five volunteer militia companies from Pennsylvania— the Allen Infantry (Allentown), the Logan Guards (Lewistown), the Washington Artillerists (Pottsville), the National Light Infantry (Pottsville), and the Ringgold Light Artillery (Reading)– arrived in Washington, D.C., to defend the Union. These courageous men faced threats, hazards, and uncertainty as they passed through Baltimore on their way to the capital; yet they remained steadfast in their mission to defend the Union.

Their commitment and patriotism were crucial in protecting the nation’s capital in its most vulnerable moment. The First Defenders represent the enduring values of courage, sacrifice, and unity—values that continue to define both our Commonwealth and our country.

This legislation will officially recognize April 18th of each year as First Defenders Day in Pennsylvania to encourage educational, historical, and civic commemorations of these patriots across this Commonwealth.

Please join me in sponsoring this legislation to commemorate the bravery of the First Defenders and honor their service to our country in its time of need.