History lost

Dear Editor,

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, "across America landmarks and historic places are being torn down at the alarming rate of 250,000 per year. Yet these historic places tell a story of who we are. They remind us of the values upon which our country and its communities were built."

Over the last weekend, one of our local historical buildings was intentionally burned to the ground. At the former McCook Army Air Base, the only World War II engine cleaning building left in Nebraska was demolished. Despite volunteer hours spent to repair the roof, restored rafters, repaired walls (all with donated labor and supplies), at no cost to the landowner, the building was burned. Our organization would have been happy to remove the building from the site and rebuild on our property or continue our volunteer efforts to refurbish the building. The foundation and smokestack remaining are now important artifacts to tell us the story of this building. It is no longer eligible for tax credits.

The Ad Council of the National Trust for Historic Preservation launched a campaign to raise awareness about the threat to our historic places. It encourages all Americans to take an active role in preserving sites for future generations.

McCook Army Air Base Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of history, buildings, foundations and concrete taxiways at McCook Army Air Base. Our ultimate goal is to make the site a national landmark and to honor those of all wars. Volunteers do repairs, maintain the property and perform the necessary functions of a non-profit corporation. Monetary contributions, memorabilia donations and membership dues are required to preserve this historic site. For those who cannot donate monetarily or volunteer time, cooperation and visits are also a way to contribute.

Tourists to these historic sites are important to Southwest Nebraska revenue. Tourism creates 43,000 jobs in Nebraska. It is just behind agriculture and manufacturing, creating jobs with security and benefits that can further growth in our area -- jobs for kids and grandkids encouraging them to stay in Southwest Nebraska.

You can decide to preserve your own history -- or do nothing and allow it to be destroyed. We need to safeguard this historic site for future generations. We need your support -- if we stand by and do nothing we have nothing of our historic past but ashes.

Sincerely,

Gloria Cotton

McCook Army Air Base McCook