Please join the effort to help Representative Gerry Connolly (VA -
11th) obtain additional sponsors for HR 1225, a bill he has sponsored that - if passed - will award the Congressional Gold Medal to U.S. National Park Historian Emeritus Edwin C. Bearss. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to persons "who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement."
To all who know Ed, without a doubt meets these criteria and then some!!! He is a dear friend to all who study the Civil War and is a lifetime honorary member of the Civil War ROund Table fo the District of Columbia. Ed is a remarkable 92 year old gentleman, an inspiration and still spry, who continues doing what he loves and does best: telling the story of the U.S. Civil War. A good summary of Ed's accomplishments is found at:
http://www.civilwar.org/take-action/speak-out/ed-bearss. Audio recordings of some of his talks at our Round Table are posted HERE.
For additional background, the bill is available by clicking HERE. A letter from Congressman Gerry Connolly is available by clicking HERE, and an endorsement letter from Ken Burns, the producer of the Civil War mini-series, is available by clicking HERE.
For additional background, the bill is available by clicking HERE. A letter from Congressman Gerry Connolly is available by clicking HERE, and an endorsement letter from Ken Burns, the producer of the Civil War mini-series, is available by clicking HERE.
To date, 108 House co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle have co-sponsored the bill, but co-sponsorship by 2/3's of the members is necessary for this award to
be granted. So the challenge is indeed daunting.
Members are inclined to co-sponsor a
particular piece of legislation and nominee for this rare award, however, If the
request is from a constituent from their Congressional
district, a fellow member and/or an individual or institution in which they place great
trust.
SO PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IF LISTED BELOW. That list identifies the members from MD, DC and VA that have not signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. Also included are the members' contact information, their experience in the military (if any), and membership on certain House Committees that might make them more responsive to Ed's great accomplishments.
E-mail addresses for specific members are not readily available because most put their feedback mechanisms behind captchas and zip code requirements to screen e-mails giving priority to messages from constituents based on zip codes that correspond with their districts. The best way for constituents to communicate with their member is by phone, postal letter, or by e-mail accessible at the member's website.
SO PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IF LISTED BELOW. That list identifies the members from MD, DC and VA that have not signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. Also included are the members' contact information, their experience in the military (if any), and membership on certain House Committees that might make them more responsive to Ed's great accomplishments.
E-mail addresses for specific members are not readily available because most put their feedback mechanisms behind captchas and zip code requirements to screen e-mails giving priority to messages from constituents based on zip codes that correspond with their districts. The best way for constituents to communicate with their member is by phone, postal letter, or by e-mail accessible at the member's website.
One idea suggested by a State University history professor is to
ask students, who typically come from various Congressional districts, to write or call their member advocating them to sign on to HR
2059 as a co-sponsor. A great idea . . . and an exercise for the students in civic
engagement.
Or use the online advocacy page posted by the Civil War Trust to sign your name as a “Citizen Co-Sponsor” available by clicking HERE.
MISSING CO-SPONSORS
FROM VIRGINIA
District 1 - Representative Rob Wittman, 2055 Rayburn House Office Building*, 202-225-4261
District 2 - Representative Scott Taylor, 412 Cannon House Office Building*, 202-225-4215
District 5 - Representative Thomas Garrett, 415 Cannon House Office Building*, 202-225-4711
Representatives Scott (District 3), McEachin (District 4), Goodlatte (District 6), Beyer (District 8), and Comstock (District 10) are already co-sponsors of HR 1225.
Representative Connolly (District 11) is the bills sponsor and Representative Beyer (District 8) is a co-sponsor and Ed Bearss is one of his constituents.
District 1 - Representative Andy Harris, 1533
Longworth House Office Building*, 202-225-5311 US Navy Reserve
District 8 - Representative Chris Van Hollen, 1707 Longworth House Office Building*, 202-225-5341
The members from Maryland who already are
co-sponsors include Representative Delaney (District 6).
FROM DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
* All written correspondence to a specific member should include the members name, office name and room number followed by "US House of Representatives, Washington DC 20515."
Also, letters endorsing Ed Bearss to Representative Connolly from persons of prominence would be of great help in furthering the campaign. We understand that such a letter is expected from Jim McPherson at Princeton. Such letters should be sent to:
The Honorable Gerry Connolly
US House of
Representatives
2238
Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515
Please have the member (or their staff) contact Collin Davenport in Representative Gerry Connolly's office at Collin.Davenport@mail.house.gov. or at 202-225-1492 if they would like to be a co-sponsor of HR 2059 or have questions.
