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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
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.
WHEREAS, Ninety years ago, in 1935, a humble parish priest
from New York, Reverend Edward J. Higgins, looked into the
hearts of the men returning from the Great War, saw courage and
the need for healing, fellowship and faith; and
WHEREAS, Guided by a conviction that Catholic veterans
deserved an organization grounded in both patriotism and faith,
Father Higgins founded what would become the Catholic War
Veterans of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, In 1935, Father Higgins carried the organization's
American and Papal flags to Rome, where Pope Pius XI personally
blessed and bestowed his Apostolic Blessing upon this new union
of faith and service, a sacred seal upon what would become a
proud tradition of Catholic men and women in uniform; and
WHEREAS, The Catholic War Veterans grew quickly, uniting
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those who fought in every branch of the armed forces, in every
conflict, under one banner of devotion to God and country; and
WHEREAS, From World War II through Korea, Vietnam, the
Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan, Catholic War Veterans have
continued to embody the creed of "For God, For Country, For
Home," bringing compassion to hospitals, honor to memorials and
moral courage to public life; and
WHEREAS, For decades the Catholic War Veterans have been
members of the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission, an
organization that is responsible for advising the Adjutant
General of the Pennsylvania National Guard on veterans benefits
and support, recommending veteran-focused legislation to the
Governor, managing several veterans assistance programs and
aiding veterans and their families in receiving the support and
benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, In 1940, the organization earned official
recognition from the Veterans Administration and, in 1984, the
Catholic War Veterans were granted a Congressional Charter, a
testament to their national stature and lasting contribution to
America's veteran community; and
WHEREAS, Here in Pennsylvania, the Catholic War Veterans
established vibrant posts and auxiliaries that have served
communities for generations, including visiting the sick, aiding
the poor, supporting schools and parishes, mentoring young
people and preserving the sacred memory of the fallen; and
WHEREAS, Through prayer and action, through faith and
fellowship, the Catholic War Veterans have stood at the
intersection of devotion and duty, reminding us that patriotism
is not only love of country, but also love of neighbor; and
WHEREAS, As the Catholic War Veterans celebrate their 90th
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anniversary, this Commonwealth proudly joins in gratitude and
reflection, honoring those who have worn the uniform, lifted the
cross and carried forward the light of service across nine
decades of American history; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate 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; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the Catholic War Veterans Department of Pennsylvania as an
expression of high regard and gratitude from the elected
representatives of the people of this Commonwealth.
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