[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 3, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 44755-44756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16965]



[[Page 44753]]

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 7575--Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 44755]]

                Proclamation 7575 of June 28, 2002

                
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Nearly 200 years ago, President Thomas Jefferson sent 
                an expedition westward to find and map a 
                transcontinental water route to the Pacific Ocean. With 
                approval from the Congress, Captains Meriwether Lewis 
                and William Clark embarked on their legendary 3-year 
                journey to explore the uncharted West. The expedition 
                included 33 permanent party members, known as the Corps 
                of Discovery.

                Their effort to chart the area between the Missouri 
                River and the Pacific Coast set these courageous 
                Americans on a remarkable scientific voyage that 
                changed our Nation. In successfully completing the 
                overland journey between the Missouri and Columbia 
                River systems, they opened the unknown West for future 
                development. During their exploration, Lewis and Clark 
                collected plant and animal specimens, studied Indian 
                cultures, conducted diplomatic councils, established 
                trading relationships with tribes, and recorded weather 
                data. To accomplish their goals, the Corps of Discovery 
                relied on the assistance and guidance of Sakajawea, a 
                Shoshone Indian woman.

                As we approach the 200th anniversary of Lewis and 
                Clark's expedition, we commend their resourcefulness, 
                determination, and bravery. This Bicentennial should 
                also serve to remind us of our Nation's outstanding 
                natural resources. Many of these treasures first 
                detailed by Lewis and Clark are available today for 
                people to visit, study, and enjoy. As the commemoration 
                of this journey begins in 2003, I encourage all 
                Americans to celebrate the accomplishments of Lewis and 
                Clark and to recognize their contributions to our 
                history.

                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, do hereby designate 2003 through 2006 as the 
                Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. I ask all Americans to 
                observe this event with appropriate activities that 
                honor the achievements of the Lewis and Clark 
                Expedition. I also direct Federal agencies to work in 
                cooperation with each other, States, tribes, 
                communities, and the National Council of the Lewis and 
                Clark Bicentennial to promote educational, cultural, 
                and interpretive opportunities for citizens and 
                visitors to learn more about the natural, historical, 
                and cultural resources that are significant components 
                of the Lewis and Clark story.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-16965
Filed 7-2-02; 11:44 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P