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

 
PROCLAMATION 8871--SEPT. 28, 2012

Proclamation 8871 of September 28, 2012

National Public Lands Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When Thomas Jefferson described the view from Monticello in 1786, he
wrote, ``How sublime to look down into the workhouse of nature, to see
her clouds, hail, snow, rain, thunder, all fabricated at our feet!''
Though much has changed in the years since our third President put those
words to paper, the sense of awe and reverence he expressed still
courses through the American spirit. Our expansive landscapes remain an
inspiration for all to behold, and as an essential piece of our
heritage, it is incumbent upon us to protect them not only in our time,
but for all time.
Today, thousands of Americans will take up that task by volunteering to
care for our public lands. Cities and communities across our country
will join together to restore the lands and waters we share, and
families nationwide will explore the natural splendor that stretches
from our Atlantic shores to the Pacific's rocky coasts. As we take time
to connect with America's great outdoors in urban and rural areas alike,
we are reminded of the varied roles our public lands play in our
national life. These areas boost tourism and contribute to public
health; they power local economies, fuel tomorrow's energy solutions,
and serve as critical havens of biodiversity; and just as they always
have, our public lands remain places of irreplaceable beauty. Through
the America's Great Outdoors initiative, my Administration has worked to
expand access to these important spaces while ensuring they are
protected for future generations, and moving forward, we will continue
to advance that vital mission.
The rugged grandeur of the American landscape has helped shape our
character and our soul as a Nation. As we celebrate this National Public
Lands Day, let us reflect on the lands and waters that so deeply enrich
our experience, and let us renew our commitment to protecting them in
the years 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 September 29, 2012, as
National Public Lands Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in a
day of public service for our lands.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA