AL SJR91

Recognizes and honors John Wade Keyes of Limestone County as one of Alabama's first veterans of the United States armed forces.

John Wade Keyes served in one of the first ten rifle companies created by the Second Continental Congress in June 1775 during the American Revolution.

Keyes and his unit undertook a 600-mile march to join General Washington at the outset of hostilities with the British, with service predating the Declaration of Independence by one year.

Assessment of other Revolutionary War veterans with associations to Alabama found no other Continental Army veteran had prior service comparable to Keyes.

Passed by the Senate on May 25, 2023, amended and passed by the House on June 1, 2023, with Senate concurrence on June 1, 2023.