Lincoln Chafee: “recently the National Trust for Historic Preservation held its annual National Preservation Conference in Providence…”

“recently the National Trust for Historic Preservation held its annual National Preservation Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. In tribute of my father, the late Senator John H. Chafee, the theme of the conference was ``Preserving the Spirit of Place'' which honored one of the last speeches he gave before his death. Particularly during this time of national turmoil, we recognize the importance of our sense of place as we move about our daily lives. Liberty and freedom unite all Americans, form our common heritage, and permit us to cherish our sense of place in the world. The preservation of our Nation's historic buildings and districts is a way for us to acknowledge the events of America's rich past and immortal legacy. The restoration of a downtown square in Spokane, WA; the revitalization of an old fort in Salt Lake City, UT; and the renovation of historic homes in Providence, RI; these projects represent how American ingenuity and perseverance form the building blocks of our architectural and cultural heritage. I would like to recognize the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its dedication to revitalizing historic buildings across the Nation in order to preserve our spirit of place.”