In my travels with the National Park Service I have crossed the Mississippi many times but I have never had the good fortune to be in the vicinity of Vicksburg until now. How great it is to be able to correct that oversight!

 

The job of Acting Superintendent is bittersweet. I get to make many new friends and I get to be involved in projects and programs at a new park. Then, just when I am beginning to feel comfortable with my new surroundings, I’ll have to return to my old park and turn the reins over to someone else.

 

Although my stay here will only be about three months, I want you to know that I’ll continue the projects undertaken by Superintendent Mayr. She was able to get many things accomplished during her years here and she left quite a few worthy projects pending. That happens whenever we transfer. Parks are like living things; they are constantly developing and changing, and when someone leaves we always count on whoever follows to continue those programs and to develop new ideas of their own.

 

My duty to the park and to you is to make sure that projects don’t languish in the absence of a permanent manager. We have the Friends group, the park road repaving project, the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War event planning, the Cultural Landscape Plan, the Long Range Interpretive Plan, and many other efforts that will require attention so that they stay on track.

 

I have taken the time to get out into the park and to listen to the programs put on by our rangers. They are an enthusiastic bunch and they have an incredible amount of knowledge. I also plan on getting to know Vicksburg better by taking a tour around town and visiting some of the establishments. This is a beautiful city. Vicksburgers, you have good reason to be proud of your community. I am honored to be here and, although I’m sure my three months here will fly by, I want you to feel free to call on me if you have questions or concerns.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you all.

 

John Bundy

Acting Superintendent