Posted: | June 18, 2024 12:12 PM |
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From: | Representative Jill N. Cooper |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Designating October 18, 2024 as "Willie Thrower Day" |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating October 18, 2024, as “Willie Thrower Day” in Pennsylvania. Willie Lee Thrower Sr. was born on March 22, 1930, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. On October 18, 1986, Willie Thrower became the first African-American quarterback to take a snap in modern National Football League history while playing for the Chicago Bears. Willie Thrower was elected to the Westmoreland County Sports Hall of Fame in 1979, he was inducted into the AK Valley Hall of Fame in 1981, and in 2011 he was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame. In 2006, a statue of Willie Thrower was erected near Valley High School in New Kensington to honor his accomplishments. In 2003, the Willie Thrower Historical Marker was erected on the road that runs past the high school he attended in New Kensington. In 2021, the Willie Thrower Award Foundation debuted an award for the top quarterback in the WPIAL and City League. October 18, 2023, has been 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. Please join me recognizing the life and accomplishments of Pennsylvania native, Willie Thrower. |
Introduced as HR494