News from Ed Markey

United States Congress Massachusetts Seventh District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: JOE DALTON
May 29, 2003 (781)396-2900

NATIONAL TRUST LISTS MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AS ONE OF 11
MOST ENDANGERED SITES IN U.S.

Rep. Markey Praises Decision

MEDFORD, MA - U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) today
released the following statement regarding the Minute Man National
Historical Park and surrounding national heritage sites being designated
as one of the 11 Most Endangered by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation:

"Today's announcement brings clearly into focus the real and serious
threat that Massport expansion at Hanscom poses to the crown jewel of
our national heritage sites. By placing the Minute Man National
Historical Park and surrounding national heritage sites on its list of
the 11 Most Endangered Sites in the U.S., the National Trust for
Historic Preservation is sending an unmistakable message about the
significance and sanctity of one of our nation's richest historical
treasures. The Minute Man National Historical Park is the birthplace of
the American Revolution, where our freedoms were forged and where we
began the expulsion of tyranny from our soil.

"The residents of Lexington, Concord, Lincoln and Bedford are fighting
on behalf of the Park and the millions who visit, against the incursion
of noise, visual intrusion and ground traffic related directly to the
unfettered growth of general and commercial aviation at Hanscom Field.
The growth projections at the Massport-owned civilian airstrip
constitute a real and immediate threat to the central asset of the Park,
Battle Road, where traffic congestion is expected to become so heavy
that it would require mitigation measures that in all likelihood would
result in physical destruction of historic assets along the Battle Road
and in the Park. If the site is not preserved, future generations of
Americans will be denied the opportunity to experience the remarkable
history that comes alive to visitors of the Minute Man National Historic
Park.

"The timing of this designation could not be more appropriate as we
prepare to mark Ralph Waldo Emerson's 200th birthday. The site, though
rich in history, is proud to have also served as home to the early
American literary movement. The Park and surrounding national heritage
sites served as an inspiration for early American literary giants.

"Emerson once wrote, `Do not go where the path may lead; go instead
where there is no path and leave a trail.' The National Trust for
Historic Preservation and Save Our Heritage have left a trail for us to
follow - working together to get the Minute Man National Historical Park
off of the most endangered list. I want to congratulate Save Our
Heritage, the National Park Service, and the many other community groups
who care so deeply about this issue for asserting this site's place in
American history and fighting for it to be recognized."