There is a disturbing attempt by some to erase our history. Unfortunately, members of our Congress are now included in that group, with the introduction of House Resolution 7608 sponsored by Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. Buried in the bill is the following provision: “the National Park Service shall remove from display all physical Confederate commemorative works, such as statues, monuments, sculptures, memorials, and plaques … .”
Their removal would be a great mistake. These are not simply blocks of granite or marble, or bronze plaques; they represent a turning point for our country, and for the many thousands who annually visit our national parks and museums, they are a link to our heritage. For many, they are a tangible realization of history lessons that were taught to us years ago, and for some, they may be the only history lesson they will ever receive.
Our history is more important than ever. It is the foundation of what we believe in, what we fight for and what many have died for.
HR 7608 will now go to the Senate for passage. The inclusion of this provision in the bill, if passed, would result in a great loss, not only of links to our national heritage, but the opportunity for future generations to learn and more fully understand events that helped shape our great country’s future.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
James Yex
Turtle Creek