PRINTER'S NO. 3477
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
494
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY COOPER, JOZWIAK, KINSEY, GALLAGHER AND ROWE,
JULY 2, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM AND ECONOMIC AND RECREATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT, JULY 2, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing October 18, 2024, as "Willie Thrower Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Willie Lee Thrower, Sr., was born March 22, 1930, in
New Kensington; and
WHEREAS, On October 18, 1953, Willie Thrower became the first
African-American quarterback to take a snap in modern National
Football League history while playing for the Chicago Bears; and
WHEREAS, Willie Thrower was a part of the 1952 Michigan State
Spartans that won the national championship; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Willie Thrower was elected to the
Westmoreland County Sports Hall of Fame, in 1981, he was
inducted into the AK Valley Hall of Fame and, in 2011, he was
inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, the Willie Thrower Historical Marker was
erected on the road that runs past the high school he attended
in New Kensington; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, a statue of Willie Thrower was erected near
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Valley High School in New Kensington to honor his
accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the Willie Thrower Award Foundation debuted
an award for the top quarterback in the WPIAL and City League;
and
WHEREAS, October 18, 2023, was designated Willie Thrower
Community Day in New Kensington, as part of a four-day
celebration of the 70th anniversary of Thrower's play for the
Chicago Bears; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
October 18, 2024, as "Willie Thrower Day" in Pennsylvania.
20240HR0494PN3477 - 2 -
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