Earlier this year, park officials also closed access to the historic Barker Dam, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, after vandals scrawled a series of writings on the landmark wall.

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This honor was bestowed on Mr. Helprin in recognition of the enormous contribution his published writings -- in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, National Review, Forbes, Commentary and The New Yorker and numerous highly acclaimed novels -- have made to the public's appreciation of the need for robust U.S. national security policies and military strength as an indispensable ingredient in promoting international peace.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 2001 Mightier Pen Award