Joyce Calls On National Park Service to Protect Gettysburg National Military Park

Abbottstown, PA Following reports of potential demonstrations planned for this weekend, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today sent a letter to National Park Service Deputy Director David Vela requesting that the U.S. Park Police assist and collaborate with local law enforcement to preserve and protect Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg National Cemetery, and its surrounding area.

"As our nation marks the 157th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg this week, we cannot allow further violence or destruction to occur on this hallowed ground. Since 1863, Americans have visited Gettysburg to honor the soldiers who served there and to remember the sacrifices that they made," said Dr. Joyce. "The Battle of Gettysburg represents a turning point in the Civil War and for our country. Today, we owe it to those who died in the pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park so that future generations of Americans can come to understand what they accomplished in these humble fields."

In his letter, Dr. Joyce requested that the U.S. Park Police work alongside local law enforcement organizations to help protect Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg National Cemetery, and the Gettysburg community during any potential demonstrations.

"This weekend, the Gettysburg community is anticipating possible protests to take place on the battlefield and surrounding areas. While I firmly support Americans' Constitutional rights, I cannot condone violence or the destruction of this historic battlefield and the final resting place of more than 3,500 Union soldiers. In light of these potential threats to our community, I respectfully request that the U.S. Park Police assist and collaborate with local law enforcement, including the Gettysburg Police Department, to protect the Gettysburg National Military Park and its surrounding area," wrote Dr. Joyce.

Read the full text of the letter below:

July 2, 2020

Deputy Director David Vela
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240

Dear Deputy Director Vela,
This week marks the 157th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal moment in the Civil War and our nation's history. As the Representative of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank the National Park Service for its longstanding care to protect and preserve Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery hallowed ground that pays tribute to the Union's enduring fight for justice, equality, and freedom.

Since the battle's conclusion in 1863, Americans have traveled to Gettysburg to honor soldiers' service and the sacrifices made on these fields. In Gettysburg, Americans learn about the true cost of freedom. It is imperative that we continue to preserve this park not only to respect the Americans who are buried in this sacred ground, but also to ensure that future generations can come to understand what they accomplished there.

This weekend, the Gettysburg community is anticipating possible protests to take place on the battlefield and surrounding areas. While I firmly support Americans' Constitutional rights, I cannot condone violence or the destruction of this historic battlefield and the final resting place of more than 3,500 Union soldiers.

In light of these potential threats to our community, I respectfully request that the U.S. Park Police assist and collaborate with local law enforcement, including the Gettysburg Police Department, to protect the Gettysburg National Military Park and its surrounding area.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, as well as for your continued service to Gettysburg and to our nation.

Sincerely,

John Joyce, M.D.
Member of Congress

The full text of the letter also is available here.

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