    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 1, 2006]
    [Pages 834-836]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting the Preserve America Presidential Awards
    May 1, 2006

        Thank you all. Thanks for the introduction. [Laughter] Laura and I welcome you here to the White House. We are
    privileged to have some of our country's really great community leaders
    and preservationists here in the Rose Garden. This is a fitting place,
    we think, to honor those who work hard to preserve our Nation's history
    and protect the natural beauty of the country.

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        This is a--this Rose Garden is one of America's historic treasures.
    I spend a lot of time mowing out here. [Laughter] The commitment of the
    folks here to preserve the unique treasures in your own communities
    means that you celebrate our Nation's history, and you help instill a
    love of our Nation's natural beauty for future generations. And that's
    why we have such an event, to encourage people to preserve and instill--
    preserve what is important and instill love for the--for our natural
    treasures.
        I appreciate not only the First Lady of the United States being here, but I appreciate the first lady of
    Florida being here--mi cunada. Thank you. Give
    Brother my best. [Laughter] Tell him he's doing a
    fine job. [Laughter]
        I want to thank Administrator Steve Johnson of the EPA. Thank you for being here, Steve. Lynn
    Scarlett, who's the Acting Secretary of the
    Department of Interior; Fran Mainella, who is
    the Director of the National Park Service; and Senator Craig
    Thomas of Wyoming--thanks for coming.
    Appreciate you being here, Senator. Thanks for taking time out of your
    busy schedule.
        I appreciate Bruce Cole, who's the Chairman
    of the National Endowment for the Humanities, joining us. And it's good
    to see my old friend John Nau. He's the
    Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; he's the
    chairman of the Texas Historical Commission--and he's a fine lad.
    [Laughter] It's good to see Bobbie
    too. Thanks for coming. And we appreciate all the members of the
    Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Thank you for serving. Thank
    you for your dedication to our country.
        Laura and I want every American to have a
    chance to learn about this country's history, and one of the best ways
    to do so is to visit our country's great historical landmarks. So in
    2003, we created--actually, she created--she told me to create, which I
    did--[laughter]--the Preserve America Presidential Awards, to recognize
    outstanding contributions to America's cultural and natural heritage. By
    the efforts--their efforts, today's award winners have drawn tourists to
    historic sites and towns; they've revitalized communities and our
    natural spaces; and they've opened up new opportunities for learning.
        The first Preserve America award winner we honor this year is
    Mission San Luis. It's a project that has reconstructed the former
    western capital of Spanish Florida in Tallahassee. The mission was
    burned to the ground over 300 years ago. And the State of Florida, in
    partnership with local and private groups, successfully recreated nearly
    every detail of the mission. The reconstruction team used original
    mission documents to ensure the highest level of historical accuracy. By
    their painstaking effort, they have helped Mission San Luis rise from
    the ashes to an educational, cultural, and historical resource
    reflecting Florida's beginnings. Congratulations, and welcome.
        Our second award recipient is the State of Maryland. Through a new
    program called Maryland Heritage Areas, the State is protecting areas of
    historical significance and increasing heritage, tourism, and
    educational opportunities. State and community leaders are investing in
    projects to highlight special parts of American history, including the
    location where Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad helped slaves
    escape to the North and Fort McHenry, the site that inspired Francis
    Scott Key to write America's national anthem. And I appreciate the good
    folks of Maryland for highlighting the amazing sites you've got in your
    State. And welcome; thank you for coming.
        Our third award recipient is a company named Tauck World Discovery,
    which is helping protect one of America's most precious natural
    resources. Since 2003, this company has been running an innovative
    volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. Under this program,
    tourists who come to appreciate the scenic landscape can also help keep
    those vistas beautiful by contributing a good day's work. Pretty

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    interesting concept, isn't it? Since the program began, guests have
    donated almost 10,000 hours of labor on projects throughout the park. By
    their good work, the good people at Tauck are inspiring Americans to
    lend a hand in preservation and making sure that Yellowstone is a
    natural wonder for the years to come. And we welcome you both. Thank you
    for coming.
        Our fourth award recipient is Hampton Hotels. Probably surprises
    you, doesn't it? Under their ``Save-a-Landmark'' program, Hampton Hotels
    is helping communities rehabilitate roadside attractions along America's
    great highways. Their efforts have helped preserve landmarks along Route
    66, to restore the Jesse Owens Park in Alabama, to refurbish one of the
    country's classic theme parks in New Jersey, and to save the world's
    largest Santa Claus in Alaska. [Laughter] Each of these landmarks
    represents a piece of cultural and regional history. By saving them for
    future generations, they are helping to celebrate the diversity of
    America and provide educational opportunities for families as they
    travel across our great land. Thank you very much; appreciate what
    you're doing. Congratulations.
        All of these award winners set such a wonderful example for our
    fellow citizens. You've taken the lead in preservation, and we
    appreciate it. You're showing what is possible when local citizens
    decide to make a difference in the community in which they live, and
    your work is preserving America for generations to come.
        And so Laura and I welcome you to the Rose
    Garden. We thank you for your efforts. May God continue to bless our
    country. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:22 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Columba Bush, wife of Gov. Jeb
    Bush of Florida; Barbara E. ``Bobbie'' Nau, wife of Advisory Council on
    Historic Preservation Chairman John L. Nau III; and Robin Tauck,
    president and chief executive officer, and Arthur Tauck, chairman of the
    board, Tauck World Discovery. The transcript released by the Office of
    the Press Secretary also included the remarks of the First Lady, who
    introduced the President.