Civil War Preservation Trust Applauds Formation of 'Veterans for Gettysburg'

Encourages members who served in the military to sign letter to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a press conference on Tuesday in the rotunda of the Pennsylvania capital, leading American veterans opposed to a proposal to build a casino near some of America's most hallowed ground announced the formation of Veterans for Gettysburg.  James Lighthizer, president of the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), issued the following statement in support:

"Gettysburg holds a special place in the hearts of all Americans, but it is particularly dear to those who have felt the heat of battle.  The call to military service is a tie that stretches across the generations and makes all of our nation's veterans truly one 'band of brothers.'

"The soldiers who fought our Civil War — the veterans who helped establish the Gettysburg Battlefield as we know it today, erecting profound monuments to their fallen comrades and returning time and again to reflect on the meaning of that hallowed ground — are no longer with us, leaving it to our generation to remember their sacrifices and, when necessary, speak on their behalf.  And who better to take up the standard of respect and decency in their name but those who also know what it means to serve their country in uniform.

"Today in Harrisburg, some of our country's leading former servicemen joined together under the banner of Veterans for Gettysburg and announced an open letter from America's veterans to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.  In asking that this inappropriate proposal be rejected, they write: 'As you would honor our service, we ask that you remember theirs.'

"I commend these brave men and women for answering the call to defend Gettysburg, just as they answered the call to protect their nation.  Further, I encourage all members of the Civil War Preservation Trust and all those who respect America's past who served in the armed services to join the effort.  Military veterans — regardless of era or branch of service — are invited to sign the open letter by visiting www.ipetitions.com/petition/veteransforgettysburg."

With 55,000 members, CWPT is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States.  Since 1987, the organization has helped save more than 29,000 acres of battlefield land in 20 states.  The CWPT website is located at www.civilwar.org.

SOURCE Civil War Preservation Trust