2009 News
March 19, 2009
A Visit to “America’s Park:” Commissioners Offer Support to Preserve and Expand Washington Crossing Visitors Center
With the first vestiges of spring peeking through the historic terrain of the Washington Crossing State Park, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners joined fully costumed Revolutionary War re-enactors, elected officials and concerned community members to participate in a rally to support the Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center. The facility, which has been the target of proposed budget cuts by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, served as a focal point of multiple remarks about its unique place in the American legacy.
“If you think this rally is about a building, then you have missed the Durham boat,” said Ellen Petri, the wife of Pennsylvania Representative Scott Petri (178th District). “It is fitting that we stand here with these soldiers today.”
As the re-enactors mustered on the steps of the Visitors Center, supporters of the park surrounded them bearing handmade signs with messages such as: “MAKE A LANDMARK DECISION;” “KEEP HISTORY ALIVE;” and “IT ALL STARTED HERE.”
After Mrs. Petri offered her welcoming remarks, Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin stepped to the microphone on behalf of his colleagues, James F. Cawley, Esq. and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW. He offered his appreciation for the significance of both the park and the Visitors Center. In order to keep continuity with the rally, the Commissioners subsequently conducted their regularly scheduled bi-monthly meeting on the Visitors Center auditorium stage – the proceedings framed by the giant replica of Emmanuel’s Leutze’s painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware.
During the rally, Upper Makefield Business Association President John Silvers insisted that the Washington Crossing State Park and its Visitors Center “is and should be a national treasure.” Silvers also stated his belief that the site “defines who we are … and what our nation must never forget.”
The rally also coincided with a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission hearing in Harrisburg regarding the Visitors Center status. Dave Christian, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and ardent supporter of the park, paid tribute to our founding fathers, telling the crowd of approximately 150 that Washington Crossing is a tangible “result of sacrifice.” Mr. Christian added, “We are America.” Other speakers highlighted the “incredible draw of the park” and cited “the glorious cause of independence.” For more information about the park and its many attractions, please visit www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing or call 215-493-4076.
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