A Resolution honoring and commemorating the Pennsylvania First Defenders for their historic service, valor and sacrifice in defense of the national capital at the outset of the Civil War.

PRINTER'S NO. 1491
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 242
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY COLEMAN, STREET, TARTAGLIONE, ROTHMAN, VOGEL AND
KEEFER, MARCH 11, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MARCH 11, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Honoring and commemorating the Pennsylvania First Defenders for
their historic service, valor and sacrifice in defense of the
national capital at the outset of the Civil War.
WHEREAS, On April 18, 1861, in response to President Abraham
Lincoln's call for 75,000 militia to defend the national capital
following the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, five volunteer
militia units from Pennsylvania, including, the Allen Infantry
of Allentown in Lehigh County, the Logan Guards of Lewistown in
Mifflin County, the Washington Artillerists and National Light
Infantry of Pottsville in Schuylkill County and the Ringgold
Light Artillery of Reading in Berks County, became known as the
"First Defenders" and were the first volunteer troops to reach
Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, These 476 officers and men arrived on April 18,
1861, at approximately 6 p.m., were quartered in the United
States Capitol complex and received arms and ammunition from
President Lincoln in the Capitol basement, marking a moment of
profound national significance; and
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WHEREAS, The First Defenders faced violent opposition while
transiting Baltimore, where Southern sympathizers attacked their
column and caused numerous injuries, including to Nicholas
Biddle of the Washington Artillerists, believed by many
historians to be the first uniformed casualty of the Civil War;
and
WHEREAS, In 1891, the General Assembly of Pennsylvania
authorized the creation and awarding of commemorative medals to
the surviving members of the Pennsylvania First Defenders,
formally recognizing their extraordinary courage, devotion to
duty and distinction as the first volunteers to answer the
nation's call; and
WHEREAS, The bravery, patriotism and sacrifice displayed by
the First Defenders represent ideals that continue to inspire
Pennsylvanians and Americans today; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate honor and commemorate the
Pennsylvania First Defenders for their historic service, valor
and sacrifice in defense of the national capital at the outset
of the Civil War; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Commonwealth encourage residents, schools,
veterans' groups and civic organizations to recognize April 18
each year as "First Defenders Day" through appropriate
ceremonies, educational programs and community activities
honoring these pioneering volunteers and all Pennsylvanians who
served in the Civil War.
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