[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       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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