I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring a resolution honoring the Pennsylvania First Defenders, the volunteer militia companies that were the very first to answer President Lincoln’s call for troops at the dawn of the Civil War.

On April 18, 1861, just days after Fort Sumter, five Pennsylvania companies responded immediately: the Allen Infantry of Lehigh County, the Logan Guards of Mifflin County, the Washington Artillerists and National Light Infantry of Schuylkill County, and the Ringgold Light Artillery of Berks County. These men passed through Baltimore under threat and attack, yet remained steadfast in their mission to defend the Union. Their arrival in Washington, D.C. provided critical support at a moment when the nation’s capital was most vulnerable.

Their courage and sacrifice left a lasting legacy. In recognition of their service, the General Assembly in 1891 authorized commemorative medals for surviving members of these units. The First Defenders embody values that continue to define our Commonwealth—courage, sacrifice, and unity in the face of national crisis.

This resolution seeks to honor their extraordinary contributions and to elevate public awareness of their place in our history. It complements Senate Bill 1088, which would formally designate April 18 as First Defenders Day in Pennsylvania. While SB1088 establishes an annual legal observance, this resolution provides an opportunity for the General Assembly to pay direct tribute to these remarkable Pennsylvanians and reaffirm their significance to our shared heritage.

I respectfully ask for your support in commemorating the bravery of the First Defenders and ensuring their story continues to inspire future generations.