[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8239--APR. 15, 2008

Proclamation 8239 of April 15, 2008
National Park Week, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, ``There is nothing so
American as our National Parks.'' During National Park Week, we
underscore our commitment to conserving these magnificent places and
recognize the many employees and volunteers who give their time and
energy to keep them beautiful for all Americans to enjoy.





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This year's theme for National Park Week, ``Kids In Parks,'' highlights
youth programs and initiatives offered by the National Park Service to
encourage children to be good stewards of the land. The Junior Ranger
program is one such program that encourages America's youth to explore,
protect, and learn about our national parks. Today, many national parks
have active Junior Ranger programs. By visiting nps.gov/webrangers,
young people can sign up to become WebRangers, enabling them to learn
about different parks, monuments, and historic sites right from their
homes.
Across the United States, the Federal Government plays a vital role in
protecting our natural and historical treasures. My Administration
launched the National Park Centennial Initiative to preserve and enhance
these scenic wonders and to prepare for the 100th anniversary of the
National Park Service in 2016. Serving as the Honorary Chair of the
National Park Foundation, First Lady Laura Bush has also played a
significant role in preserving our national parks. The First Lady is
actively involved in programs such as First Bloom, which teaches
children how to preserve native plants across America. In addition, this
past Christmas, the White House highlighted our national parks with the
theme ``Holiday in the National Parks.''
Our National Parks belong to each of us, and they are natural places to
learn, exercise, volunteer, spend time with family and friends, and
enjoy the magnificent beauty of our great land. During National Park
Week and throughout the year, Americans of all ages can pledge to help
maintain and enhance America's national treasures for future
generations.
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 19 through April 27,
2008, as National Park Week. I invite all my fellow citizens to join me
in celebrating America's national parks by visiting these wonderful
spaces, discovering all they have to offer, and becoming active
participants in park conservation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH