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A RESOLUTION recognizing July 20, 2024, as Western Kentucky University 1
Pershing Rifles and Rebelettes Day. 2
WHEREAS, on February 4, 1937, the National Society of Pershing Rifles granted a 3
membership charter to the cadet company at Western Kentucky State Teacher's College; 4
and 5
WHEREAS, this cadet company was designated Company B, 3rd Regiment, 6
National Society of Pershing Rifles and was a fixture at Western Kentucky University 7
from 1937 to 1983; and 8
WHEREAS, the Pershing Rifles of Western Kentucky University were part of the 9
National Society of Pershing Rifles, a military-oriented honor society created in honor of 10
General of the Armies, John J. "Black Jack" Pershing; and 11
WHEREAS, according to the 1939 Pershing Rifles constitution, the members 12
sought to encourage, preserve, and develop the highest ideals of the military profession, 13
promote American citizenship, create a closer and more efficient relation, and provide 14
appropriate recognition of a high degree of military ability among the cadets of the 15
several senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units of the government of their 16
organization; and 17
WHEREAS, the Pershing Rifles also sought to foster a spirit of friendship and 18
cooperation among men in the military department and to maintain a highly efficient drill 19
company; and 20
WHEREAS, the Western Kentucky University Pershing Rifles Drill Teams won 21
numerous drill competitions, including national championships in 1971 and 1975; and 22
WHEREAS, the Pershing Rifles were joined by the women's auxiliary organization, 23
known as the Rebelettes, from 1964 to 1983; and 24
WHEREAS, the Rebelettes were also successful, winning national championships 25
in 1967, 1973, and 1975. The Rebelettes were famous for the "Garter Salute," and their 26
silent drill routines, which highlighted their excellence in drill and ceremonies; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2493
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WHEREAS, in August, 1983, the difficult decision was made to retire the Pershing 1
Rifles Company and Rebelettes Auxiliary. Replacing these units was the Organization of 2
the Red Knights. Though not affiliated with a National Association, the Red Knights 3
continue the excellence in drill and ceremonies, presentation of the official colors, and 4
demonstrations of the highest standards of military bearing within the Corps of Cadets; 5
NOW, THEREFORE, 6
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the 7
Commonwealth of Kentucky: 8
Section 1. The House of Representatives does hereby acknowledge the history 9
of excellence of the Western Kentucky University Pershing Rifles Company B, 3rd 10
Regiment and Rebelettes Auxiliary and recognizes July 20, 2024, as Western Kentucky 11
University Pershing Rifles and Rebelettes Day. 12
Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to transmit a 13
copy of this Resolution to the office of Representative DJ Johnson for presentation. 14