[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8801--APR. 20, 2012

Proclamation 8801 of April 20, 2012

National Park Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When President Theodore Roosevelt first took office over a century ago,
he embarked on a tour of the American West that would change his life
and the life of our Nation forever. He traveled from Yellowstone's
geysers, to Yosemite's granite cliffs, to Dakota's Badlands, ever moved
by the natural wonders of which he and all Americans were proud
inheritors. As he explored wild country, he heard a call to preserve our
country's heritage that echoed throughout our forests and river valleys.
He remarked of the Grand Canyon, ``the ages have been at work on it, and
man can only mar it.''
From that sense of commitment sprang five National Parks, 18 National
Monuments, 51 Federal bird reservations, and 150 National Forests. From
that commitment sprang an effort to save the great Redwoods of
California and the Petrified Forest of Arizona, the great bird rocks of
the Aleutian Islands and the Tongass of Alaska. President Roosevelt
inspired a breathtaking legacy of conservation that has forever enriched
our lives, and in the decades since his historic journey, millions have
worked to build on his enduring mission. When the fate of our lands and
waters has been cast into doubt, they have taken the long view--that as
Americans and as inhabitants of this one small planet, it is up to us to
preserve our national heritage for our children, grandchildren, and for
the generations to come.
That spirit drives my Administration today. Since I took office, we have
set aside more than 2 million acres of Federal wilderness and thousands
of miles of trails and rivers under the Omnibus Public Land Management
Act. Last November, I was proud to establish the Fort Monroe National
Monument, forever enshrining a site of profound historical and cultural
significance. Today, I designated Fort Ord as a National Monument that
will not only protect one of the crown jewels of California's coast--a
world-class destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor
enthusiasts--but also honor the heroism and dedi-


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cation of men and women
who served our Nation during the major conflicts of the 20th century.
And with the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, we continue to advance
a smarter, more community-driven conservation and recreation strategy.
We are partnering with cities and States to make it easier for families
to spend time outside no matter where they live, and we are working to
create jobs, boost rural economies, and increase tourism by enhancing
public lands that draw travelers from across the globe. To celebrate
National Park Week, all 397 National Parks will offer free admission
from April 21 through April 29, 2012. I encourage every American to
visit www.NPS.gov to find a nearby park and discover the land passed
down to us by our forebears.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told us ``There is nothing so
American as our National Parks.'' This week, we honor the uniquely
American idea behind them: that each of us has an equal share in the
land around us, and an equal responsibility to protect it. That call to
conserve has echoed for generations--from Jefferson, to Lincoln, to
Roosevelt, to all who have done their part to protect the land that they
love. It is the call we hear today, and as we come together to celebrate
our national heritage, let us reaffirm our promise to preserve America's
treasures for the generations yet to come.
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 April 21 through April
29, 2012, as National Park Week. I encourage all Americans to visit
their national parks and be reminded of these unique blessings we share
as a Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA