HR 374 — A Resolution designating 2025 as "The Year of the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America" in Pennsylvania in honor of the organization's 90-year history of enduring service to faith, family and country.

PRINTER'S NO.   2663

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 374
                                              Session of
                                                2025

     INTRODUCED BY KRUPA, ARMANINI, BANTA, COOK, GALLAGHER, HAMM,
        JAMES, KAUFFMAN, NEILSON, PUGH, RAPP, ROWE, SCHMITT, STAATS,
        STENDER AND WATRO, NOVEMBER 25, 2025

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
        PREPAREDNESS, DECEMBER 3, 2025


                               A RESOLUTION
 1   Designating 2025 as "The Year of the Catholic War Veterans of
 2      the United States of America" in Pennsylvania in honor of the
 3      organization's 90-year history of enduring service to faith,
 4      family and country.
 5      WHEREAS, Ninety years ago, in 1935, a humble parish priest
 6   from New York, Reverend Edward J. Higgins, looked into the
 7   hearts of the men returning from the Great War, saw courage and
 8   the need for healing, fellowship and faith; and
 9      WHEREAS, Guided by a conviction that Catholic veterans
10   deserved an organization grounded in both patriotism and faith,
11   Father Higgins founded what would become the Catholic War
12   Veterans of the United States of America; and
13      WHEREAS, In 1935, Father Higgins carried the organization's
14   American and Papal flags to Rome, where Pope Pius XI personally
15   blessed and bestowed his Apostolic Blessing upon this new union
16   of faith and service, a sacred seal upon what would become a
17   proud tradition of Catholic men and women in uniform; and
18      WHEREAS, The Catholic War Veterans grew quickly, uniting
 1   those who fought in every branch of the armed forces, in every
 2   conflict, under one banner of devotion to God and country; and
 3      WHEREAS, From World War II through Korea, Vietnam, the
 4   Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan, Catholic War Veterans have
 5   continued to embody the creed of "For God, For Country, For
 6   Home," bringing compassion to hospitals, honor to memorials and
 7   moral courage to public life; and
 8      WHEREAS, For decades the Catholic War Veterans have been
 9   members of the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission, an
10   organization that is responsible for advising the Adjutant
11   General of the Pennsylvania National Guard on veterans benefits
12   and support, recommending veteran-focused legislation to the
13   Governor, managing several veterans assistance programs and
14   aiding veterans and their families in receiving the support and
15   benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice; and
16      WHEREAS, In 1940, the organization earned official
17   recognition from the Veterans Administration and, in 1984, the
18   Catholic War Veterans were granted a Congressional Charter, a
19   testament to their national stature and lasting contribution to
20   America's veteran community; and
21      WHEREAS, Here in Pennsylvania, the Catholic War Veterans
22   established vibrant posts and auxiliaries that have served
23   communities for generations, including visiting the sick, aiding
24   the poor, supporting schools and parishes, mentoring young
25   people and preserving the sacred memory of the fallen; and
26      WHEREAS, Through prayer and action, through faith and
27   fellowship, the Catholic War Veterans have stood at the
28   intersection of devotion and duty, reminding us that patriotism
29   is not only love of country, but also love of neighbor; and
30      WHEREAS, As the Catholic War Veterans celebrate their 90th

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 1   anniversary, this Commonwealth proudly joins in gratitude and
 2   reflection, honoring those who have worn the uniform, lifted the
 3   cross and carried forward the light of service across nine
 4   decades of American history; therefore be it
 5      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate 2025 as
 6   "The Year of the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of
 7   America" in Pennsylvania in honor of the organization's 90-year
 8   history of enduring service to faith, family and country; and be
 9   it further
10      RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
11   the Catholic War Veterans Department of Pennsylvania as an
12   expression of high regard and gratitude from the elected
13   representatives of the people of this Commonwealth.




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