[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 106 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26931-26932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13283]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 106 / Thursday, June 4, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 26931]]


                Proclamation 8388 of June 1, 2009

                
Great Outdoors Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 The United States is blessed with unparalleled natural 
                beauty. From remote forests to urban parks, these 
                spaces have inspired visitors for generations. Today, 
                these areas continue to raise the human spirit in those 
                who experience them. During the month of June, I 
                encourage Americans to pay tribute to and preserve the 
                great outdoors.

                 Americans of all ages can find calm and enjoyment in 
                our Nation's vast outdoors. Those desiring quiet or 
                solitude can explore one of our many National Parks, 
                which offer tranquil and pristine surroundings. Those 
                seeking recreation can also explore public lands, or 
                they can simply run, bicycle, or fish in areas close to 
                their homes. Whether near or far, the outdoors offers 
                unique experiences.

                 Exploring the great outdoors can also help improve 
                one's health. These spaces provide countless venues for 
                walking, hiking, running, swimming, and boating, among 
                other activities. Americans can combine the enjoyment 
                of being outside with the exercise we all need to stay 
                healthy.

                 My Administration is working to connect America's 
                youth with our treasured landscapes, which should be 
                viewed as classrooms for environmental education and 
                gateways to careers in natural resources. These efforts 
                will include outreach to those who typically lack 
                representation in, and exposure to, these fields. The 
                Department of the Interior is launching a summer 
                mentoring initiative as part of this effort. This 
                program invites families and friends to teach children 
                about the joys and wonders of the outdoors. My 
                Administration is also increasing the number of youth 
                involved in national service on public lands. Through 
                AmeriCorps and other programs and partnerships, we can 
                continue our Nation's proud tradition of service and 
                respect for the environment.

                 Americans are fortunate to have so many beautiful 
                natural wonders and open spaces. I encourage all in our 
                Nation to enjoy these resources and to help protect 
                them for future generations. Together, we can carry 
                forward our Nation's proud tradition of admiration and 
                preservation of the great outdoors.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Great 
                Outdoors Month. I encourage all Americans to spend more 
                time outside and to participate in the nationwide 
                events marking this occasion.

[[Page 26932]]

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                nine, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-13283
Filed 6-3-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P