NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today pledged to donate $400,000 to the Washington Crossing Historical Park in Washington Crossing, Pa. The park, which has experienced recent state budget cuts, is visited by more than one hundred thousand tourists each year.

Lockheed Martin’s donation will fund the addition of a dedicated education wing at the park’s visitor center, which is scheduled for renovation in the latter part of 2010. The donation was announced by Marshall Byrd, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Newtown, Pa. Byrd also pledged, on behalf of the approximate 13,000 Lockheed Martin employees in the Delaware Valley area, a five-year commitment of volunteer in-kind support for the park’s maintenance and operations.

The announcement was made at the park’s annual Christmas Day reenactment of General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. In making the announcement, Byrd was joined by U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, whose district encompasses both the park and Lockheed Martin’s Newtown facility.

“In looking for a way to support the important educational mission of Washington Crossing Historical Park, we sought Congressman Murphy’s advice and counsel,” Byrd said. “He put us in touch with Doug Miller (Site Administrator, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission), whose enthusiasm and encouragement became key factors in our decision to make this contribution.”

“Lockheed Martin also thanks Congressman Murphy for his tireless advocacy on behalf of this park and its new neighbor, Washington Crossing National Cemetery,” Byrd added. “He has helped lead our community’s efforts to recognize the sacrifices made by America’s military veterans. Those sacrifices are commemorated today and will be honored both here and at the cemetery for generations to come.” Read More »