In the first tribute of its kind in more than a century, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. dedicated a plaque to four journalists who died in the post-September 11, 2001 war on terrorism. The plaque was unveiled on October 1 before family, friends and colleagues of the fallen journalists at the National War Correspondents Memorial in Burkittsville. Distinguished guests included Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz, and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw.
 
The honorees were:
  • Daniel Pearl,
    Wall Street Journal    ,
    Karachi, Pakistan,
    February 2002
  • Elizabeth Neuffer,
    Boston Globe    ,
    Iraq,
    May 2003
  • Michael Kelly,
    The Washington Post &
    The Atlantic Monthly    ,
    Iraq,
    April 2003
  • David Bloom,
    NBC News    ,
    Iraq,
    April 2003

"These journalists made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might have a glimpse into the daily lives of our embattled troops, and so that all Americans might fully understand the realities of the war on terror" Governor Ehrlich said. "To their families, I offer my respect and condolences."

The State of Maryland is home to the country's only national monument dedicated to war correspondents. Built in 1896 by renowned Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend to honor his fellow correspondents killed in conflict, the arch, which is 50 feet high and 40 feet wide, is located on South Mountain at Gathland State Park.

Natural Resource Home
DNR Home