Apr. 24, 2026
HARRISBURG – To pay tribute to fallen heroes and their families, Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin) hosted a Gold Star Memorial Dedication Ceremony Thursday at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex.
His legislation to create this memorial,
Act 145 (previously House Bill 71 of the 2023-24 session), was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2024. This permanent fixture gives Gold Star families a place to gather, reflect, pray and share in fellowship with one another while honoring the sacrifice of their beloved service members.
“The men and women who gave everything so the rest of us could live free were able to do so in part because of the love and support of their parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children and dear friends,” said Kerwin. “It’s critical to honor our fallen heroes with actions that remember their sacrifices, stand by the families they left behind, and live lives worthy of the price they paid. To the Gold Star families, your strength is admirable during these difficult moments. Americans will never forget your brave loved ones.”
Joining Kerwin and Gold Star families included:
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Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34th District).
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Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania State Treasurer.
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Col. John Wenzel, director of joint staff, Pennsylvania National Guard.
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Hon. Mike Pries, Dauphin County commissioner.
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Hon. Reggie McNeil, Department of General Services secretary.
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U.S. Army (Ret.) Timothy M. Schumacher, president and CEO, Woody Williams Foundation.
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U.S. Army (Ret.) James McMahon, chief pilot, MITER Brands.
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Cherriney “Cher” Kondor, president of Central Pennsylvania Chapter, American Gold Star Mothers.
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Maj. David Boyles, chaplain, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
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Sarah Rothermel, principal, Steckel Elementary School.
To watch the full ceremony,
click here.
Representative Joseph Kerwin
125th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com