[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 144 (Monday, September 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION'S 18TH 
                    ANNUAL NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2011

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and express 
my thanks to the National Environmental Education Foundation, and the 
more than 180,000 volunteers lending their time and talent to the 18th 
annual National Public Lands Day. Mr. Speaker, this will be the 
largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United 
States. Eight federal agencies will participate along with more than 
250 state, county, and city partners and a host of nonprofit groups. At 
parks, beaches, wildlife preserves and forests around the country, 
dedicated citizens will work to improve and restore the places that we 
all use for recreation, education, exercise and relaxation.
  One such site, Mr. Speaker, is very dear to me. The Martin Luther 
King, Jr. National Historic Site will see at least 300 volunteers weed, 
paint and place mulch around Dr. King's first home and the adjacent 
properties. I am so proud and grateful for the work they do in my 
district and in our country.
  I am sorry I can't be with them on this special day, but I think it 
is appropriate that we recognize them from this great Chamber of public 
service. National Public Lands Day celebrates volunteerism and the 
importance of recreation and public lands to community health, so I 
think it is appropriate that we celebrate them. I hope all my 
colleagues will join with me in wishing the volunteers good health and 
a blessed event.

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