[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 34TH ANNUAL PARK AND RECREATION MONTH

  (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate our Nation's 
parks.
  This July marks the 34th annual Park and Recreation Month, a 
celebration highlighting the incredible opportunities and benefits that 
park and recreation agencies provide to their communities.
  I, like many Arkansans, grew up enjoying everything that the Natural 
State has to offer. From hiking and hunting in its forests, to 
swimming, fishing, and boating on its crystal-clear lakes and rivers, 
outdoor recreation is an essential part of life for the families of my 
State. Some of my favorite memories of life were made outside in the 
beautiful outdoors of Arkansas, and I am blessed to still be making 
similar memories today.
  Our park and recreation agencies are an important part of our history 
and offer much to the quality of our future. Theodore Roosevelt once 
said: ``It is an incalculable added pleasure to anyone's sum of 
happiness if he or she grows to know, even slightly and imperfectly, 
how to read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature.''
  As a forester and lifelong lover of nature, the wonder-book of nature 
has always been fascinating to me, and I hope to motivate people to get 
out and enjoy the natural beauty around them.
  In the words of the fictional sitcom character Leslie Knope, 
``America is awesome.'' I encourage everyone to go outside with friends 
and family to enjoy all the awesomeness our parks have to offer.

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