Saving a Civil War Legacy in Virginia
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Protection of the Shenandoah Valley's historic and significant landscape is critical to protecting and interpreting our nation's Civil War history for our children and grandchildren ["Saving a Civil War Legacy in Va.'s Shenandoah Valley," Metro, Nov. 14]. Public support and private donations from thousands of Virginia residents will save the site of the Battle of Third Winchester, but we can't save one battlefield and ignore the desecration of others nearby.
Here in the Shenandoah Valley, more than 16,000 acres of "core" battlefield land are still vulnerable to development. For instance, an international mining company stubbornly refuses to recognize America's significant Civil War history and the important battles that took place near its mining operations (some of the nearby land is protected as part of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park) near Winchester. Despite objections from residents, conservationists and historians, the company plans to expand its polluting operations.
We can honor and protect -- and avoid desecrating -- our history. But each of us has to help.
CATHARINE GILLIAM
Virginia Program Manager
National Parks Conservation Association
Staunton
