[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8002--APR. 18, 2006
Proclamation 8002 of April 18, 2006
National Park Week, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In America's national parks, the magnificent beauty of our country and
important examples of our Nation's cultural heritage are preserved and
made available to Americans and visitors from all over the world. Each
year, as we observe National Park Week, we underscore our commitment to
conserve our natural and historical treasures and encourage more
Americans to enjoy, learn from, and protect these important parts of our
heritage.
Our Nation has a long legacy of conservation. In 1872, Yellowstone
National Park became our country's first national park, and more than
four decades later, the National Park Service was created. Today, the
national park system includes almost 400 sites, with parks in nearly
every state. From Yosemite National Park in California to Acadia
National Park in Maine, and from Independence Hall to the Martin Luther
King, Jr., National Historic Site, America's national parks are home to
some of our Nation's most beautiful landscapes and richest history.

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This year's theme, ``Connecting our Children to America's National
Parks,'' reflects the National Park Service's commitment to encouraging
young people to enjoy outdoor recreation and better appreciate our
Nation's beauty and history. The National Park Service Junior Rangers
program develops interest in our national parks by teaching children and
their families about the importance of the national park sites. Young
people can visit our national parks online by going to the Junior
Rangers website at www.nps.gov/WebRangers. As Honorary Chair of the
National Park Foundation, First Lady Laura Bush helps raise awareness
about preservation of the parks and encourages support for programs like
the Junior Rangers. Through initiatives like this, the National Park
Service is promoting good stewardship of the environment and
appreciation of our Nation's heritage.
With the opportunity to live in America comes a responsibility to ensure
that our national parks remain a source of pride, pleasure, and
education for all our citizens. During National Park Week and throughout
the year, we pay tribute to the employees and volunteers of the National
Park Service. For the past 90 years, these dedicated men and women have
worked to maintain and enhance our national parks and to ensure that
they are preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.
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 proclaim April 22 through April 30,
2006, as National Park Week. I call upon the people of the United States
to join me in celebrating America's national parks and becoming active
participants in park conservation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH