Vandalism at Gettysburg Park

The National Park Service (NPS) announced on August 21 that the War Department Observation Tower and a nearby rock at Gettysburg National Park were vandalized with graffiti and carvings over several days. Park Superintendent Kristina Heister expressed dismay at the incidents, noting the potential permanence of the damage, particularly to the rock, which bore names and symbols, including "Jayce," "Maddie," and a heart with the date 9/13/20. Fortunately, park staff managed to remove all traces of the vandalism. Heister emphasized the collective responsibility of the public in preserving the park's historical integrity, stating, “Vandalism of irreplaceable historic objects and structures that belong to all Americans should concern everyone.” The NPS is actively seeking information to identify those responsible for the acts, highlighting the importance of community involvement in protecting national treasures. Vandalism in national parks is a recurring issue, prompting the NPS to engage the public in reporting such activities. A recent example from the Grand Canyon National Park illustrates this concern, where rangers warned against the practice of attaching "love locks" to park structures. These locks not only add unnecessary weight but also pose a threat to local wildlife, particularly endangered California condors, which have been harmed by ingesting discarded keys. The NPS continues to advocate for the protection of natural and historical resources, reminding visitors that while expressions of love may be well-intentioned, they can have detrimental effects on the environment and heritage sites.