noticed, this extraordinary view behind me is something that has been protected and defended by the malvern in ladies association since the 1960's. it does not just happen to be one of the most beautiful sights in the region, but one of the most significant sites in the nation. it was preserved and actively preserved by the ladies association. he did not just happen to stay this way. and now i am sad to say it is under threat. ladies association mount vernon does not regularly try to create a crisis environment. we do not hold a lot of press conferences. educationald -- institution. we like to educate the millions of visitors a year who come here and the millions more online. that view -- that view behind us is an essential part of that mission. it connects all of our visitors to george washington in a direct visceral way. love of this extraordinary place, and the view that he contemplated when setting out on his revolutionary journey to secure independence and create a more perfect union. but now this tremendous resource saved for our country by the ladies association, and our partners for