Federal Order to Change Historical Information at National Park Sites

聯邦指令要求更改國家公園景點的歷史資訊


Introduction

The National Park Service is currently following a government order to remove certain historical quotes and exhibits from several federal sites, including the Bunker Hill Monument.

國家公園管理局目前正執行一項政府指令,要求從包括邦克山紀念碑在內的數個聯邦景點中,移除特定的歷史引用與展覽。

Main Body

This policy is based on an executive order from March 2025, which requires the removal of 'corrosive ideology' from government institutions. The administration claims that some historical stories have been changed by political views rather than objective facts. As a result, the National Park Service has removed three quotes at the Bunker Hill Monument: an 1846 critique of slavery, an 1875 statement on the patriotism of immigrants, and a 1971 anti-war message from Vietnam veterans. This specific review reportedly began after a visitor described the content as 'woke.'

這項政策是基於 2025 年 3 月的一項行政命令,要求政府機構移除「腐蝕性意識形態」。政府聲稱,部分歷史故事是被政治觀點而非客觀事實所改變。因此,國家公園管理局在邦克山紀念碑移除了三段引用:一段是 1846 年對奴隸制度的批評,一段是 1875 年關於移民愛國心的聲明,以及一段 1971 年由越南戰爭退伍軍人發表的反戰信息。據報導,這次特定的審查是在一名遊客將內容形容為「覺醒」後開始的。

These changes are part of a larger trend across the country. For example, panels about enslaved people were removed from the President's House in Philadelphia, and information about the white supremacist views of Senator Francis G. Newlands was taken down at a memorial in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, signs about climate change and indigenous history in Western states are being targeted. These actions are happening at the same time as a proposed $1 billion cut to the national parks budget and a plan to give management control to state governments.

這些改變是全國性大趨勢的一部分。例如,費城總統故居關於被奴役人士的展板被移除,而華盛頓特區一座紀念碑關於參議員法蘭西斯·G·紐蘭斯白人至上主義觀點的資訊也被拆除。此外,美國西部各州關於氣候變遷與原住民歷史的標誌也成為目標。這些行動發生在擬議削減 10 億美元國家公園預算,以及計劃將管理權移交給州政府的同時。

Opinions on this issue are deeply divided. The Interior Department emphasizes that these changes are necessary to create a 'balanced' and 'patriotic' history, arguing that focusing too much on negative events confuses the public. However, a group of historians and seventeen U.S. senators assert that removing this information hides the truth of the historical record. Consequently, legal battles have started, and one federal judge has already ordered that exhibits at the President's House be put back, stating that the removal likely violated federal law.

對此議題的意見分歧嚴重。內政部強調,這些改變是為了創造一個「平衡」且「愛國」的歷史而必須採取,認為過度關注負面事件會令公眾困惑。然而,一組歷史學家與 17 位美國參議員堅稱,移除這些資訊會掩蓋歷史記錄的真相。因此,法律戰已經展開,一名聯邦法官已下令將總統故居的展覽恢復原狀,並指出移除行為可能違反了聯邦法律。

Conclusion

The administration is continuing to review and remove historical materials across the National Park system despite legal challenges and opposition from experts.

儘管面臨法律挑戰與專家反對,政府仍持續審查並移除整個國家公園系統中的歷史資料。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Power-Up': Mastering Logical Connectors

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to move away from these simple words and start using Logical Connectors. These are words that tell the reader how two ideas relate to each other.

Look at these specific examples from the text:

1. The Result-Maker: "Consequently"

  • A2 style: The judge said the law was broken, so they put the exhibits back.
  • B2 style: Legal battles have started; consequently, one federal judge has already ordered that exhibits... be put back.
  • Why it works: "Consequently" is a formal way of saying "as a result." It signals a professional, academic tone.

2. The Idea-Adder: "Furthermore"

  • A2 style: They removed panels in Philadelphia and they also removed signs in Western states.
  • B2 style: ...panels about enslaved people were removed... Furthermore, signs about climate change... are being targeted.
  • Why it works: Instead of repeating "and" or "also," "Furthermore" adds a new layer of information, making your argument feel stronger and more organized.

3. The Contrast-Builder: "However"

  • A2 style: The government likes the changes but historians hate them.
  • B2 style: The Interior Department emphasizes... However, a group of historians... assert that removing this information hides the truth.
  • Why it works: "However" creates a sophisticated pause. It tells the listener: "I have presented one side; now I am going to present the opposite side."

💡 Quick Reference for your B2 Journey:

If you want to say...Use this B2 word instead:
SoConsequently / Therefore
And / AlsoFurthermore / Moreover
ButHowever / Nevertheless

Vocabulary Learning

corrosive (adj.)
Having a destructive effect, especially by gradually wearing away or destroying something.
Example:The politician argued that the new ideology had a corrosive effect on national unity.
objective (adj.)
Based on facts and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
Example:A judge must remain objective when listening to the evidence presented in court.
critique (n.)
A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.
Example:The professor wrote a thorough critique of the government's economic policy.
indigenous (adj.)
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Example:The museum features an exhibit on the indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the exam.
assert (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyers assert that their client was not present at the scene of the crime.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The company failed to innovate; consequently, it lost its market share to competitors.
violate (v.)
To break or fail to comply with a rule, agreement, or law.
Example:The company was fined for violating environmental safety regulations.
Practice B2 words in a crossword
Federal Order to Change Historical Information at National Park Sites (B2) - A2Z News | A2Z News