AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
June 25, 2026
Issue
Limiting the Use of Soldiers’ Grove in Harrisburg
Details
Since July 23 last year SB 947 has languished in the Senate State Government Committee. It amends the Soldiers Grove Act which was signed into law on October 30, 1987.
- It prohibits “A festival, celebration, gathering or demonstration within the area designated as “Soldiers’ Grove’” except if the event is held exclusively by veterans or their families to honor and support veterans and first responders or their families to honor and support first responders.
- It prohibits a government entity from issuing a permit to hold a “festival, celebration, gathering or demonstration within the area designated as “Soldiers’ Grove” except to the groups listed above.
Inscription on the historic marker at Soldiers’ Grove: “This Grove is dedicated by a grateful Commonwealth in recognition of the Soldiers and sailors from Pennsylvania who served in any of our country’s wars and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice.”
By the way, Soldiers’ Grove is located directly behind the State Capital Building and is part of the Pennsylvania Capital Grounds.
The last number of years Central PA Pride has been permitted to use Soldiers’ Grove for their festival. This year the festival will be on July 25th and it will once again be at Soldiers’ Grove. Be sure to read Governor Shapiro’s “Pride Month Proclamation” and take note of all the sponsors of the event here
Action Steps:
Contact Senate State Government Committee Chair, Senator Cris Dush at 814- 646-7272 or 814- 355-0477 and ask him to hold hearings on SB 947 and bring it to a vote!
Contact your State Senator here and ask him or her to support SB 947.
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