Coalition of Preservation Groups and Local Activists Opposes Proposal to Build a Casino Near Gettysburg National Military Park
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | December 13, 2006 |
| Contact: | Shannon Andrea, NPCA, 202.454.3371 Mary Goundrey, CWPT, 202.558.8971 |
Coalition of Preservation Groups and Local Activists Opposes Proposal to Build a Casino Near Gettysburg National Military Park
Statement by the Stop the Gettysburg Slots Coalition
“The Stop the Slots Coalition, comprised of the National Parks Conservation Association, the Civil War Preservation Trust, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Pennsylvania, and No Casino Gettysburg is concerned that constructing and marketing a casino would conflict with and detract from Gettysburg’s unique and compelling history. However, the opposition to this proposal runs much deeper than these five groups, it includes our country’s youngest citizens.
In a radio ad campaign sponsored by the Stop the Slots Coalition, eleven-year-old Taylor Mason acts as the “voice” of her generation and of our country’s future. While Taylor may be young, she is passionate about Gettysburg and the American Civil War. She has shown her concern over the casino proposal by submitting comments to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, writing to her local representatives, testifying at the Capitol in Harrisburg, and gathering signatures on a petition. Taylor put it appropriately when she said, “In 1863, soldiers came to Gettysburg for what they felt to be noble purposes, they didn’t come for fun or for games.”
Gettysburg is a unique family friendly town that allows children and adults to learn about a time in our history that shaped who we are today. Americans of all ages feel a casino is at odds with this atmosphere and with the sacred nature of the place where so many sacrificed for our country.
As the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board considers the final arguments to build a casino near Gettysburg, we urge them to act to protect America’s priceless legacy, and deny this proposal.”
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