Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: April 21, 1999

John Wright 202/208-6416
Katie Lawhon 717/334-1124

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will be in Gettysburg, PA, Thursday, April 22, 1999, to commemorate Earth Day and draw attention to the need to restore and preserve the historic landscape at Gettysburg National Military Park.

"Preserving the civil war battlefield at Gettysburg is an issue of great importance to me and the American people," said Babbitt. "We must protect this hallowed ground and move expeditiously to preserve the priceless artifacts which will be used as teaching tools for future generations to understand the American struggle to become united as one country."

Secretary Babbitt will talk about President Clinton's Land Legacy Initiative which includes funds for the National Park Service to acquire and dismantle the tower. He will also talk about ongoing plans to protect historic artifacts and restore the battlefield landscape to enhance the civil war history and improve visitors' experience.

Thursday, April 22, 1999

Who: Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, Jim Maddy President of the National Park Foundation, Eileen Woodford, Northeast Representative of the National Park Conservation Association, and Park Superintendent John Latschar

What: Earth Day Commemoration/President's Clinton's Lands Legacy Initiative

When: Thursday, April 22, 1999 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Gettysburg National Military Park: Cemetery Ridge at the Meade Equestrian Statue, Hancock Ave.

Why: To draw attention to the need to restore and preserve the civil war battlefield

Press Availability follows.

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