Bulldozers are destroying history, dishonoring war dead; how you can stop it

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora joined the discussion about defending Princeton Battlefield against development today to explain the importance of preserving the historic landmark.

Yesterday we shared with you how the Institute for Advanced Study is building houses on hallowed historical ground where George Washington and his troops made major advancements against the British during the Revolutionary War.

While Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson ruled against the Princeton Battlefield Society's petition to stop this development, there's an appeal pending to overturn that, and many citizens and legislators are working to keep the grounds untouched.

This morning, Gusciora urged people to contact their legislators and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin to take the cause to the next level.

Personally, he'll be writing a letter to Martin urging him to enforce New Jersey's wetland laws and preserve the battlefield.

"In Princeton there's plethora of housing being built right now," Gusciora said. According to him, there's plenty of places for the institute's faculty to live that are in close proximity to the battlefield. "There's no reason to destroy a place of history, especially for future generations."

According to Gusciora, protecting the battlefield is a matter of patriotism and protecting history. Gusciora noted that the location marks a crucial victory point for Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War, and is also most likely where the first U.S. Marine was killed.

"If you look at other states like Virginia, Maryland — they have such a historical presence and a priority in keeping their history, both on the Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary," Gusciora said. "And I think New Jersey should do the same. We have enough development in this state, enough pavement, where this could be a great park and a learning center for the Revolutionary War."

What are you doing to preserve American history? Call your legislator today to help save the Princeton battlefield, and continue this conversation by tweeting @BillSpadea.

Bill Spadea is host of the Chasing News TV program and the NJ 101.5 morning show. You can daily hear his opinion about all things New Jersey here, or by tweeting @BillSpadea.

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