House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously advances resolutions recognizing Veterans Day and Marine Corps bicentennial

At a meeting of the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, members voted unanimously to move two ceremonial resolutions to the full House as a single package: House Resolution 15 and House Resolution 355.

Representative Ouattro, sponsor of House Resolution 15, described the measure as "reaffirm[ing] our Commonwealth's commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice that all United States military veterans past and present." He urged the panel to recognize Veterans Day as a solemn reminder of service and sacrifice and noted Pennsylvania is home to "nearly 800,000 veterans." Representative Ouattro identified himself as a United States Army veteran during his remarks.

Representative Haddock presented House Resolution 355, which he said designates Nov. 10, 2025, as the 200 observance of the United States Marine Corps in Pennsylvania and traced the Corps' early ties to Philadelphia's Tun (Ton) Tavern. Haddock said he invited three House members who served in the Marines to be co-prime sponsors and cited personnel figures, saying there are "around a 175,000 active duty and 33,000, reserve members of the marines."

Chairman Gillan commended both sponsors and noted the historical context discussed, including the Tun/Ton Tavern reconstruction in Philadelphia and the origins of Veterans Day as Armistice Day (the 11th day of the 11th month, 11th hour). No committee member registered a negative vote; Chairman Gillan announced both resolutions "move to the floor unanimously for consideration." The committee then adjourned.

The measures are ceremonial resolutions to recognize dates and historic observances; no funding, regulatory changes, or directives to staff were included in the committee discussion recorded in the transcript.