Rigby Legislation to Honor Local Veterans Becomes Law

July 2, 2025

HARRISBURG – Two pieces of legislation authored by state Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Cambria/Somerset) which honor a pair of local veterans have been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve and have served our country,” Rigby said. “Placing their names front and center in the form of naming a bridge in their honor is a great way to keep their stories alive in our communities.”

The language of Rigby’s original bills was amended into Senate Bill 78, which became Act 17 of 2025 and includes the following:

• House Bill 182 - designates the bridge which carries Route 53 over Bear Rock Run in Lilly Borough, Cambria County, as the Corporal James D. Sloan Memorial Bridge.
• House Bill 633 - designates the bridge which carries Route 53 over Patty’s Run in Gallitzin Township, Cambria County, as the USMCR Mary A. Lidwell Memorial Bridge.

Sloan attended Penn Cambria High School and served during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal and the Rifle Marksmen Badge.

“Cpl. Sloan struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning home,” added Rigby. “My intent is to recognize him for not only his service, but also for the challenges which he and many of our soldiers face when returning to civilian life.”

Lidwell, a 1942 graduate of the former Gallitzin (now Penn Cambria) High School, began her service as a United States Marine Corps volunteer in 1943 before joining the Women’s Aviation Reserve Squadron. She attained the rank of private first class before retiring and was awarded the Congressional Rosie the Riveter Medal for her work repairing damaged airplanes during World War II.

“PFC Lidwell’s face was a familiar one after returning home, as her passion for service continued with involvement in her church, community projects and local government,” said Rigby. “She truly was a public servant.”

Representative Jim Rigby
71st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott B. Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5967 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
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