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[Page S4564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 75th
anniversary of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as a part of the
National Park Service.
It is no secret that my home State of West Virginia is one of the
most naturally beautiful States in the Nation. As a native West
Virginian and an outdoor enthusiast, I know just how important our wild
and wonderful outdoor heritage is to our great State. Our sparkling
rivers, sweeping valleys, and majestic mountains make our small State a
true gem and beckon sports and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the
world. It is vital to the Mountain State that the natural beauty of our
home State is protected and that we consistently strive to promote our
endless tourism opportunities.
For more than a century, the National Park Service has played a major
role in this success by engaging communities through recreation,
conservation, and historic preservation programs. To name just one
significant contribution, the National Park Service has been working
with the Fish and Wildlife Service and other experts and volunteers to
help protect peregrine falcons and reintroduce them to the area. The
use of DDT as a pesticide had all but caused the extinction of the
species. Since the ban of DDT in the 1970s, the population of peregrine
falcons have recovered significantly to due extensive conservation
efforts. I am so deeply proud of what our citizens have accomplished
and what they will continue to accomplish to preserve our forests,
rivers, wildlife, and historic sites in the days and years ahead.
Harpers Ferry, itself, has been a location that has greatly
influenced our Nation's history. This community saw the arrival of the
first successful American railroad, was the site of John Brown's raid
on the Harpers Ferry Armory, saw the largest surrender of Federal
troops during the Civil War, and was among the first locations to
support the education of former slaves in one of the earliest
integrated schools in the United States. It was of such significance
that it changed hands seven times during the Civil War.
Visiting this historic community is like stepping into the past.
Whether visiting the park, strolling through the picturesque streets,
visiting museums and battlefields, or hiking the trails, it reflects
the West Virginia heritage and principles you just can't find anywhere
else in the world. All of Harpers Ferry's features collectively make it
one of West Virginia's most treasured destinations. Of course, even
more special than our national historical monuments are the people who
take such pride in maintaining the knowledge of our history and
traditions and preserving the locations and commonsense values we hold
dear.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is treasured in the hearts of
all West Virginians as a statewide community and beyond, and it is a
privilege to recognize its 75th year in the National Park
Service.
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