Senator Mastriano

August 1, 1779 - Birthday - Star-Spangled Banner author Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) was born in Frederick County, Maryland. After witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry on the night of September 13-14, 1814, he was enthralled to see the American flag still flying over the fort at daybreak. He then wrote the poem originally entitled Defense of Fort McHenry which became the U.S. National Anthem in 1931.

August 1, 1944 - Anne Frank penned her last entry into her diary. "[I] keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would like to be, and what I could be, if...there weren`t any other people living in the world." Three days later, Anne and her family were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Anne died at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on March 15, 1945, at age 15.

August 1, 1944 - The Warsaw Uprising began as the Polish Home Army, numbering about 40,000 Polish patriots, began shooting at German troops in the streets. The Nazis then sent eight divisions to battle the Poles, who had hoped for, but did not receive, assistance from the Allies. Two months later, the rebellion was quashed.

Please enjoy reading my newsletter this week. Link is in bio.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY:
1957. Antarctica. Operation Deep Freeze II.

During the height of the Antarctic summer, my father served as a crew chief aboard a U.S. Navy Sikorsky HRS helicopter operating on Mount Erebus. Flying with only a pilot, copilot, and crew chief, these missions took extraordinary skill and courage in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

This photograph captures him on Mount Erebus during those historic operations, when America`s Deep Freeze teams were helping establish a permanent U.S. presence in Antarctica in support of the International Geophysical Year.

I`m incredibly proud of my dad and the role he played in one of America`s greatest polar expeditions. 🇺🇸❄️

#flashbackfriday

Supporting our veterans has always been one of my top priorities.

During the 2019–2020 Legislative Session, I introduced SB 927 (Act 74 of 2020), which made it easier for Pennsylvania veterans to add the "Veteran" designation to their driver`s license or ID card. This helps them quickly verify their military service and access the benefits and discounts they`ve earned.

It`s an honor to stand up for the men and women who have served our nation.

Roadside work is one of the most dangerous jobs there is.

That`s why I introduced SB 1123 (Act 157 of 2022), which became law during the 2021–2022 Legislative Session. By allowing tow trucks to use blue warning lights, this law makes them more visible to approaching drivers and reinforces the importance of slowing down and moving over.

A small change in the law can make a big difference when it comes to protecting roadside workers and saving lives.