MS SR61

Mourns the passing of Edwin Cole "Ed" Bearss, a preeminent Mississippi public historian and World War II Marine Corps veteran who died on September 15, 2020.

Recognizes Bearss' 40-year career with the National Park Service, during which he distinguished himself as a leading Civil War historian and battlefield preservationist.

Highlights his significant discovery of the USS Cairo, a Union ironclad gunboat sunk in 1862, and his authorship of more than 25 books, 100 scholarly papers, and numerous National Park Service publications.

Acknowledges his national recognition including the Distinguished Service Award from the Department of the Interior, honorary degrees from Lincoln College and Gettysburg College, and his role as a commentator in Ken Burns' 1990 film "The Civil War."

Directs that the resolution be presented to Bearss' surviving family, forwarded to the Vicksburg Military Park, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.