Fight for our National Parks

I was shocked to learn of the administration’s attempts to rewrite American history. It goes against the very values of our democracy. Our national parks, battlefields and historic sites – from Yosemite to Gettysburg and Stonewall -- are places the American people and millions of visitors alike, look to get an accurate, objective historic account of the places and people that came before us, and helped shape our nation. Americans rely on our national parks to tell the truth. They should be able to trust that when they visit a national park, they get deep, rich and well-informed stories of what happened at these places. Our parks protect a complex, sometimes difficult history – a history of war, loss, triumph and joy. Parks unite us and bring people together through the stories they tell. And they educate millions of annual national park visitors about the full and honest history of America. A recent executive order from the Trump administration has ordered a review of national parks for negative content. Within the span of only a few weeks, this administration is working to undermine the Park Service and the stories they tell by eliminating websites. Now, they are calling for an effort to erase stories that cast the country in a negative light, even though we’ve struggled through war, slavery and civil rights. They have even proposed giving away smaller national park sites to states which could include historic sites. Who will be next? Our history defines who we are as Americans, and we are stronger for it, regardless of our background or what political party we vote for. I’m asking you to stand up for the very American ideals our parks represent. They exist for all of us, and they must continue to tell full, factual stories of the people and places that helped shape our nation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Our democracy depends on your action.