Meet Mark Nash of West Harrison, New York

American Battlefield Trust: What moved you to first give to our organization?

Mark: I became interested in Civil War battlefields about 20 years ago.  I researched my genealogy and found my 3rd great grandfather was a Confederate soldier (40th VA infantry). I bought the regimental history and walked the battlefields where he would have fought and then found his grave at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. I was introduced to the Civil War Trust through a mailer and thought it was neat that I could play a role in preserving some of those same battlefields. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?

My wife and I decided some years ago to concentrate our charitable giving on fewer organizations where we could give more regularly and generously and make a difference.  We are not the largest givers to the Trust but we are among the most passionate.  We support almost every campaign at some level.  We enjoy the annual gatherings and the educational pieces the Trust puts out.  But we are most excited that we are preserving battlefield land which our kids and grandkids can someday tour and appreciate its significance.  

What is your favorite battlefield you’ve visited?

I love the views from Lookout Mountain, but I have the fondest memories of my visits to Manassas.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy is high on my bucket list.

What would you like to pass on to future generations?

A love and appreciation for history.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

Thomas Jefferson.  So powerful as a leader and founding father.  So instrumental to the birth of our nation and our concepts of freedom as a writer.  And the founder of my alma mater, the University of Virginia!