[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9024--SEPT. 26, 2013

Proclamation 9024 of September 26, 2013

National Public Lands Day, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Atop soaring mountain peaks, alongside bubbling streams, in woodlands
and grasslands that stretch over rolling hills, Americans find
inspiration in our great outdoors. Just as our diverse and rugged
land-



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scapes reflect our national character, the way we care for these
open spaces mirrors our commitment to future generations. On National
Public Lands Day, we celebrate the lands we share and gather to conserve
our natural heritage.
For two decades, Americans have observed this day by lending their time
to the restoration of our country's historic places and natural
treasures. Across our country, volunteers beautify parks, waterways, and
wilderness areas. Through these small acts--from planting trees to
carving out trails, removing litter, and curbing the growth of invasive
species--volunteers carry forward a long tradition of conservation and
public service. Their spirit is at the heart of the America's Great
Outdoors Initiative, which is making the outdoors more accessible to all
Americans. Since I established this initiative, we have expanded access
to recreation, restored critical landscapes, and created urban parks and
water trails. We are also working with partners to let young people
serve as volunteers in our parks and help returning veterans find
meaningful jobs protecting and enhancing America's great outdoors.
As we come together to honor and restore America's public lands, we
recognize their role in shaping our history, enriching our lives, and
bolstering our economy. Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of
National Public Lands Day, let us pledge to maintain these open spaces.
And let us pass forward the opportunity to experience their majesty,
connect with our natural heritage, and refresh our bodies and minds.
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 28, 2013, 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-sixth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA