[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 77 (Friday, April 20, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20183-20184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-9988]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 77 / Friday, April 20, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 20183]]

                Proclamation 7428 of April 17, 2001

                
National Park Week, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The United States boasts an incredible wealth of 
                natural beauty. From rugged coastlines and thick 
                forests to arid deserts and canyons, our diverse 
                landscapes represent a treasured heritage of which all 
                Americans can be proud.

                Our country's commitment to the conservation of its 
                open spaces runs deep. The Nation founded Yellowstone 
                National Park in 1872 and thereby generated renewed 
                appreciation for the great outdoors among Americans. 
                Our country's actions inspired other countries to 
                follow suit by establishing their own national parks or 
                equivalent preserves.

                Since the establishment of the National Park Service in 
                1916, our national parks have grown to occupy a special 
                place in the hearts of the American people. As 
                responsible stewards, we must leave them in good 
                condition for those who follow us. By providing 
                additional resources for their preservation and 
                maintenance, we can prevent the deterioration in 
                facilities and infrastructure that threatens their 
                future well-being.

                National parks are a testament to the natural wonders 
                of our mountains, valleys, rivers, and streams. They 
                remind us to take a break from the busy pace of modern 
                society to experience the simpler pleasures of life and 
                provide unique opportunities for personal recreation. 
                Whether camping in Yosemite National Park or boating 
                along Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, people of all 
                ages can take in spectacular scenery and enjoy a 
                relaxing time with family and friends.

                The National Park Service also serves an educational 
                purpose, honoring our heroes and preserving important 
                historical landmarks. By visiting the Frederick 
                Douglass National Historic Site, the immigration 
                station on Ellis Island or many other significant sites 
                in our national parks, Americans gain a deeper 
                understanding of our national story and the 
                extraordinary people and events that paved the way for 
                our development and progress.

                National Park Week pays tribute to the importance of 
                our national parks and recognizes the dedicated men and 
                women entrusted with their care. The observance also 
                calls attention to the need to reinvest in these 
                national treasures by providing for their sound 
                stewardship in the years to come. As timeless and 
                majestic reminders of our outdoor heritage, America's 
                national parks add immensely to our quality of life and 
                represent a wonderful legacy that must be passed on to 
                future generations.

[[Page 20184]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States of America, do hereby proclaim April 23 through 
                April 29, 2001, as National Park Week. I encourage all 
                Americans to visit our national parks and experience 
                America.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-9988
Filed 4-19-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P