As a retired National Park ranger I greatly appreciated your Aug. 22 editorial, “In Our View: National Parks Revered,” concerning the funding of our parks. As I read the piece, it made me think of Fort Vancouver and its place in our history and my personal experience visiting the fort.
The fort has been there for us in many times of need. For instance, in the Civil War it became a supply post, while in World War I, it housed the Signal Corps, the Army’s Pacific Northwest Command communications support. Then it became an aviation history hub. The fort also served as an embarkation port during World War II.
For me personally, the last time I visited the fort, the blacksmith created an “S” for me, representing the first letter of my last name. It is a shame that there is such a backlog of maintenance at the fort and at all our national parks. I want everyone to have the wonderful experiences I have had both as a visitor and a former ranger.
Happy Birthday, National Park Service. My wish for you is for Congress to fully fund our parks so you’re around for another 100 years!
