Luzerne Times

Mar. 20, 2024

HARRISBURG – A resolution recognizing March 25, 2024, as “National Medal of Honor Day” in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill), today was unanimously approved by the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. House Resolution 347 will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.

During the committee meeting, Watro, an Army veteran, expressed the significance of the resolution, stating, "Over 3,500 individuals have received the Medal of Honor since its establishment on March 25, 1863, of which 63 are alive today." He also highlighted Pennsylvania's strong connection to the Medal of Honor, noting, "Pennsylvania has a rich history of Medal of Honor recipients, with 379 having been born and raised in the Commonwealth, meaning that over one in 10 of those heroes have come from our state."

Watro emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices of Medal of Honor recipients, saying, "It is critical to recognize the bravery, valor and achievements of those amazing individuals who sacrificed so much for the safety and continued prosperity of our great country and Commonwealth, and in turn to wholeheartedly support the ideals and goals of ‘National Medal of Honor Day’ in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

One of the Pennsylvania-born Medal of Honor recipients, Retired Army Colonel Walter Joseph “Joe” Marm Jr., who received the medal in 1966 for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War, attended the meeting along with a breakfast that followed.

Representative Watro's dedication to honoring these heroes and advocating for 'National Medal of Honor Day' in Pennsylvania reflects his commitment to recognizing and celebrating the valor of those who have served their country with distinction.

For more information, visit RepWatro.com or contact Andy Briggs at 717-260-6474 or abriggs@pahousegop.com.