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“RECOGNIZING LEGENDARY CIVIL WAR HISTORIAN EDWIN ``ED'' BEARSS” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1254 on Sept. 13, 2018.
The Department oversees more than 500 million acres of land. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the department has contributed to a growing water crisis and holds many lands which could be better managed.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING LEGENDARY CIVIL WAR HISTORIAN EDWIN ``ED'' BEARSS
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HON. ROBERT A. BRADY
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize legendary Civil War historian Edwin ``Ed'' Bearss. Mr. Bearss will be honored next month by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia for his contributions to Civil War history.
Ed's interest in the Civil War began at an early age. As a young man in Billings, Montana, Ed grew up listening to the stories of Civil War veterans in his home town. Following in their footsteps, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 . He would participate in the Guadalcanal and Russell Islands campaigns before suffering a near-fatal wound in the Battle of Cape Gloucester. After a two year long recovery process, Ed left Montana to pursue higher education. He received his bachelor's from Georgetown University before earning a master's degree in history from Indiana University.
After several years working for the United States Hydrographic Office, a visit to the Shiloh Battlefield inspired Ed to make a career change. Beginning in 1955 as a park historian at the Vicksburg National Military Park, he quickly gained a reputation as an engaging and theatrical battlefield guide. His research led to the 1956 discovery of the USS Cairo, a Union ironclad gunboat sunk during the Yazoo Pass Expedition. Ed would later be elevated to Chief Historian of the National Park Service, a position he would hold from 1981 to 1995. Following his retirement, Ed received the title of Chief Historian Emeritus.
The General Meade Society of Philadelphia is only the latest organization to recognize Ed for his work. His honors include the Harry S. Truman Award for Meritorious Service in the field of Civil War History, the Department of the Interior's Distinguished Service Award, and the American Battlefield Trust's Lifetime Achievement Award. Most impressively, despite turning 95 in June, Ed continues to lead battlefield tours to this day.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in honoring Ed Bearss on receiving this important honor.
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