Dear National Parks Service...

Just a quick note to say how much we appreciated being home on Governors Island, NY over Coast Guard Day weekend (Aug 4/5, 2018). I am a member of a considerable tribe of military dependents and service people who have at one time or another lived on Governors Island.

It takes your breath away and we understand the Island's pull. We are the fortunate few who have experienced life in the shadow of the skyscrapers and in the light of Lady Liberty. The island is a unique and, quite frankly, magical place and we have forever been changed from our time(s) residing there.

Though we are not the indigenous "people" of the Island we are without a doubt the indigenous "population" of the Island. And it is as such that we are respectfully requesting a territory of our own on Governors Island.

A place that we can celebrate our histories while spending time with newfound brothers and sisters. You see all of our timelines intersect at this one place, different times, but just one place. As the island redefines itself we believe it is of the utmost importance that we preserve our native heritage.

Many of my friends will never be able to go home but their razed houses now serve as the structure beneath the hills and all around the island. We want to make a place on the Island just for military families (past, present, and future) to be when they visit this blossoming "destination" that has become our island.

A museum, of sorts, dedicated to the military life as it was. Culturally our tribe is diverse and historically we have decades to offer.  We hope you will grant us a part in the Island's regeneration, sustainability, and future. 

A location situated between the old and the new parts of the Island fits into our vision and we would love to speak with you about our options going forward.

Thanks so much for your consideration!
Sincerely, Susan Chaney (GI Brat '84-'87)