HARRISBURG - "The bugles are sounding and we're at a full gallop charge," said state Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, in announcing that his campaign to preserve 137 Pennsylvania monuments and markers at Gettysburg has passed the $100,000 mark.

"In fact, we're on the north side of $150,000," Readshaw added.

The project's goal is to raise approximately $4.5 million to ensure the restoration of these Icons of Freedom" and endow them with a trust fund to provide proper maintenance for generations to come.

Recent contributions to the effort have included $1,420 from a 5th grade class from East Pennsboro Middle School to complete funding for the restoration and endowment of the monument to the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. On July 2, 1863, that regiment lost nearly one-third of its members in an advance against the Confederate troops on the second day of a three-day battle.

The Berks Education Association contributed $5,000 towards funding for the "Teacher's Monument" that honors the 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry which saw action on the first day of the battler, Teachers from central Pennsylvania made up a large portion of the regiment.

The seventh-grade history class of

teacher Anna Marie Amendola at Westlake Middle School contributed $1,095 to aid the effort. The students raised the money through candy sales.

"It is especially gratifying to see young people so enthusiastic about saving a piece of their state and national history," said Readshaw. "Whenever they visit Gettysburg during their lifetime and look upon a monument honoring a Pennsylvania regiment or individual, they'll have the satisfaction of knowing that they personally played an important role in keeping those monuments standing."

Readshaw said he has received a pledge from an individual to cover the costs of funding all the Pennsylvania cavalry and equestrian monuments at Gettysburg. Specifics will be released later, but the effort will include participation of 4-H members in the region as well as a commitment of private funds. The total pledge is for $101,300.

"It has taken two years and a lot of work by many people to help us reach our stride," said Readshaw. "It has been a matter of building momentum. Now, we've reached one-fifth of our goal and we have the momentum. The challenge remains to keep that momentum and charge for the finish line."

Readshaw has a Web page for the Gettysburg Monuments Project at

www.fourscore.com.