House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

Posted:	January 24, 2013 02:58 PM
From:	Representative Gary Haluska
To:	All House members
Subject:	Legislation changing the design of the State Flag - Adding "Pennsylvania"

I plan to re-introduce legislation that will add “Pennsylvania” to the state flag. Currently, the word “Pennsylvania” is not displayed on our flag. As you may be aware, the flags of each state are flown at Mount Rushmore in the order that each state ratified the United State Constitution. Upon visiting this historical site, I discovered that many visitors did not know that the Commonwealth was the second state to ratify the United States Constitution because the word “Pennsylvania” was not displayed on the flag. Therefore, it is the intent of this legislation to ensure that no matter where the Commonwealth’s flag is flown, people will know it is our state’s flag. The proposed legislation will require the word “Pennsylvania” to be embroidered in yellow silk within a red drape that will traverse the flag’s bald eagle. A picture of the proposed design is attached. Furthermore, the legislation solicits commentary from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission (PHMC) on the redesigned flag and designates functions of the PHMC regarding the redecorated flag. I believe that adding “Pennsylvania” to our state flag will instill a further sense of pride to our citizenry and great Commonwealth while ultimately helping others recognize an important piece of our heritage – our state flag. Please see attached.
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Introduced as HB578