The impact of the Vicksburg National Military Park can be seen even when not within its limits.

Throughout town, historical markers show passersby how the park reaches beyond its technical boundaries.

And its reach is far.

The Vicksburg National Military Park pumps approximately $30 million into Vicksburg’s economy, according to superintendent Bill Justice.

If the park’s economic impact weren’t enough to justify the need for each member of the community to invest in its well-being, the park works to preserve our national heritage for future generations, a goal Justice imparts on many of his speaking engagements.

“We’re trying to encourage people to find that special park, that place you can make a connection to. The Find Your Park mission is a part of that. With its centennial, the park service is inviting a new generation to discover the special places that belong to them because in the end, if the young people—if everybody—doesn’t a vested interest in the parks—in their parks—will parks be around in the future?” he said to the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce Wednesday.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is our community’s park. It’s our community’s contribution to maintaining America’s history, and the opportunities to support it stretch further than merely driving visiting friends and family members through it a few times a year.

Volunteers help make the park what it is and are the key to its progress, according to Justice.

Its Living History Program, cannon firings and even tours are often led by people choosing to invest in a park that is investing in this community.

We believe this is a worthwhile investment, one that has an enormous positive impact on our community.

“I encourage you to think seriously about volunteering at the park. If you have some great idea about what your volunteer participation could be and what programs we could offer, get with (us),” he said. “We are only limited as far as volunteer activities by the limitations we place on ourselves. If you would like to help us and give back to this park, connect with us.”