Pennsylvania's impact on American military history is quite remarkable.

The Valley Forge military camp by the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777-1778 was pivotal in the American Revolution. Gen. George Washington acknowledged that the perseverance gained by the soldiers at Valley Forge was what rallied the Continental Army to bind together and eventually win the war.Less than a century later during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, Union forces repulsed Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, ending Lee's attempt to invade the North, and providing a turning point in the Civil War.In recent history, a field in Somerset County became the center of the world in the attacks of 9/11/01. When the passengers fought back against the terrorists on Flight 93, it became the first offensive action taken by Americans in the War on Terror. This was the only one of the four hijacked planes that failed to reach its intended target, thus saving many lives.Given the importance of these events in our nation's history, we are thankful for those dedicated to preserving and honoring the state's amazing history.Regarding Revolutionary War history, more than 75 volunteers, working four- hour shifts, searched for objects in a four-acre area that was recently plowed near York. This was the site of Camp Security, which began housing British POWs in 1781.Also last week, we learned that Alonzo H. Cushing, a Union Army lieutenant killed at Gettysburg, will be receiving the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. The Wisconsin soldier commanded a force to the front lines on the last of a three-day battle when he was killed by a Confederate bullet.Finally, regarding the 9/11 site at Shanksville, we learned that this year's Sept. 11 observance will include the first public view of the Congressional Gold Medal given to the site. The medal is the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow.In 2011, legislation called for three medals to be struck in honor of the Americans killed in the terrorist attacks. The medals will be permanently displayed at memorials in New York, in Shanksville and at the Pentagon.Pennsylvania residents should be proud of their history. Unfortunately, too many take it for granted.By Jim Zbickeditor@tnonline.com