CWPT's Park Day is Saturday, April 4

I thought I'd use today's post as a public service announcement, and as a opportunity for service.

A call is being made much like the recruiting posters of 150 years ago, but instead of "To Arms," now it will be more like "To Shovel," or "To Rake." And just like 150 years ago, many are needed. Saturday, April 4, 2009 will be the 13th Park Day sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) and grant funded by History (formerly The History Channel).

History enthusiasts and Civil War buffs of all ages, individually and from service groups and organizations will converge on cemeteries, historic sites, and parks to do volunteer work such as cleaning, painting, litter pickup, raking, and trail maintenance.

On Saturday numerous historic sites in many states are expected to participate in Park Day. For their efforts participants will receive a T-shirt and get to hear historians describe the significance of the site where they are working. But probably more important is the self-satisfaction that participants will receive in helping maintain and protect our battlefields and historic sites.

If there is not a Park Day organized in your area, I would suggest you take Saturday and visit and support a local public history site in your region.

You can learn more about Park Day at www.civilwar.org/parkday