September 12, 2007 "Emergency Responder Day" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Hi Everyone,

As you all know I am very proud of each and every rider that rides with us on the Torches Across America Ride.

We all have a reason for being apart of the ride. And in this e-mail I am sending you today is something super special that Frank Kiehner has been able to do for all First Call Responders in the State of Pennsylvania .

I know Frank worked very hard to make this happen and as all of you can tell, Pennsylvania is very proud of their First Call Responders.

The wording in this resolution is excellent. Please read it slowly so every word can get your full attention.

Thank you ever so much Frank for what you have accomplished. I am looking forward to riding across America with you and you wife Lil this year.

Frank and his wife are doing some long rides Saturdays to condition their butts to handle the distance.

I give special thanks to Pennsylvania Representative, Stan Saylor. He was the main driving force in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to make this come about.

I also want to give special to all the other Pennsylvania Representatives for passing this resolution unanimously.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

Here is Frank's e-mail to all of us. I will put this on Gary 's Blog also.
http://www.torchesacrossamerica.blogspot.com/

Hi Group (especially Gary ),

In todays mail I received a Pa House resolution making Sept 12, 2007 "Emergency Responder Day" in the Commonwealth.

Had to pick the 12th as the 11th is already "Patriot's Day" in Pa.

The resolution goes as follows:

"In the House, June 5, 2007

Whereas, On September 11, 2001 Al Queda terrorists hijacked and
intentionally flew two planes into the twin towers of the World TradeCenter in Manhattan and hijacked and crashed a third aircraft into theUnited States Department of Defense headquarters at the Pentagon in Arlington County , Virginia ; and

Whereas, the first battle of the global war on terrorism took place in the skies over Somerset County , Pennsylvania , and was ultimately won by the heroism of the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who courageously fought to regain control of the plane and prevented further death and destruction; and

Whereas, These attacks clained nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including many emergency responders who unselfishly answered the call to duty; and

Whereas, On September 12, 2001, the emergency responder community of our great nation took pause to reflect upon the heroic efforts of their fellow emergency responders who were killed in the line of duty during the attacks of 9/11; and

Whereas, Their acts of courage and sacrifice for our country are worthy of acknowledgment and commendation, and they shall remain in our hearts and minds forever, their remembrance continuing to be passed on to future generations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives designate September 12, 2007, as "Emergency Responder Day" in Pennsylvania , setting aside this day as a day of gratitude and profound respect for all past and present firefighters, public safety providers, ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians, emergency dispatchers, first responseteams, police officers and all emergencyand disaster responders in this Commonwealth and affirming that these heroes help our citizens every day in extraordinary ways.

"I received this card with the resolution,

"Dear Mr Kiehner, Thank you for contacting my office requesting the resolution declaring September 12, 2007, as Emergency Responder Day in Pennsylvania .

Enclosed is a certified copy of the resolution, House Resolution 215, which passed the House unanimously on June 5, 2007. Rep Stan Saylor

"I was not expecting to see this but was VERY surprised and proud to get it in the mail. I read it at my Fire Companies meeting this evening and they were impressed that the Commonwealth would do this for us.

See you in a little over 2 months.
Frank Kiehner