[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4718-H4719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PENNSYLVANIA DAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize July 20 as National Pennsylvania Day.
  Pennsylvania gained the nickname the ``Keystone State'' because 
Thomas Jefferson referred to the Commonwealth as a keystone of the 
Federal Union for our role in the establishment and further success of 
the United States.
  Our Commonwealth is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, 
our Constitution was written, and our flag was born. It also served as 
the first capital back in the early days of our Union.
  Pennsylvania is the site of famous battles, such as the battle of 
Valley

[[Page H4719]]

Forge during the Revolutionary War and the battle of Gettysburg.
  In Pennsylvania, we are pioneers. We are proud to be home to the 
first hospital, superhighway, and commercial oil well, the Drake Well 
in my district. We are also proud to have invented the slinky, little 
league baseball, the steam engine, and bubble gum.
  Pennsylvania is also a beacon of education and innovation, home to 
prestigious universities and research institutions that drive 
advancements in science, medicine, and technology.
  Throughout history, from our steel and coal mines to our farms and 
forests, Pennsylvania has led the way with an inspiring work ethic.
  As a lifelong Pennsylvanian, I am proud of all that we have done and 
look forward to our future. I am proud to represent nearly one-third of 
the land mass of our great Commonwealth.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy Pennsylvania day to all Pennsylvanians.

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