As a person who studied history in college, a former resident of Gettysburg and a current resident of York, I must say I was quite disappointed that the newspapers of York did not feature an article about the unveiling of the first ever statue of Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens was hugely influential in creating the public education system in the US and as a representative in Washington, was directly related to the passing of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendment.

While the statue was unveiled at Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster, Stevens was still a resident of York during his lifetime. A man of this influence and historical significance should have been recognized by every newspaper in the United States when the statue was unveiled or at least the newspapers of the towns and cities he called home during his lifetime.

We are quick to recognize what we want to in history and apt to forget other aspects. Stevens was considered one of the most powerful men in Washington and helped to shape how are children are educated today. To ignore his legacy, to ignore the tribute to his life is to ignore what he did for us still today.

Chad Baker
Manchester Township