Dauphin News

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) announced on Wednesday that legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin) to permit the Department of General Services to construct a memorial monument on state Capitol grounds recognizing Gold Star Families has passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Cutler, in his statement, acknowledged the significance of the bill, saying, “Rep. Kerwin’s record and family history of military service continues to shine through in this significant recognition for families who have experienced the loss of an immediate family member in active-duty military service.”

The proposed monument aims to honor the 36,584 Gold Star Families in Pennsylvania, with Cutler expressing his support by stating, “Dating back to WWII, Pennsylvania has 36,584 Gold Star Families who will be honored by this memorial monument, and I join Rep. Kerwin in believing there to be no better place for that memorial monument to be than right here on state Capitol grounds.”

Furthermore, Cutler extended his thoughts and prayers to Rep. Kerwin and his Pennsylvania Army National Guard unit, currently deployed in East Africa, saying, “We continue to remember the service of Rep. Kerwin and all deployed Pennsylvania Guardsmen as we pray for their safe return back to the Commonwealth, and most importantly, their families and loved ones.”

The district and Capitol offices of Rep. Joe Kerwin remain operational, ensuring continued service to constituents of the 125th Legislative District.

Republican Leader Bryan Cutler emphasized the importance of the memorial bill's passage, highlighting the honor it bestows upon Gold Star Families and the recognition of their sacrifices.