[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 16 (Monday, April 23, 2001)]
[Page 623]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7428--National Park Week, 2001

 April 17, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The United States boasts an incredible wealth of natural beauty. 
From rugged coastlines and thick forests to arid deserts and canyons, 
our diverse landscapes represent a treasured heritage of which all 
Americans can be proud.
    Our country's commitment to the conservation of its open spaces runs 
deep. The Nation founded Yellowstone National Park in 1872 and thereby 
generated renewed appreciation for the great outdoors among Americans. 
Our country's actions inspired other countries to follow suit by 
establishing their own national parks or equivalent preserves.
    Since the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916, our 
national parks have grown to occupy a special place in the hearts of the 
American people. As responsible stewards, we must leave them in good 
condition for those who follow us. By providing additional resources for 
their preservation and maintenance, we can prevent the deterioration in 
facilities and infrastructure that threatens their future well-being.
    National parks are a testament to the natural wonders of our 
mountains, valleys, rivers, and streams. They remind us to take a break 
from the busy pace of modern society to experience the simpler pleasures 
of life and provide unique opportunities for personal recreation. 
Whether camping in Yosemite National Park or boating along Apostle 
Islands National Lakeshore, people of all ages can take in spectacular 
scenery and enjoy a relaxing time with family and friends.
    The National Park Service also serves an educational purpose, 
honoring our heroes and preserving important historical landmarks. By 
visiting the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the immigration 
station on Ellis Island or many other significant sites in our national 
parks, Americans gain a deeper understanding of our national story and 
the extraordinary people and events that paved the way for our 
development and progress.
    National Park Week pays tribute to the importance of our national 
parks and recognizes the dedicated men and women entrusted with their 
care. The observance also calls attention to the need to reinvest in 
these national treasures by providing for their sound stewardship in the 
years to come. As timeless and majestic reminders of our outdoor 
heritage, America's national parks add immensely to our quality of life 
and represent a wonderful legacy that must be passed on to 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 of America, do hereby proclaim April 23 
through April 29, 2001, as National Park Week. I encourage all Americans 
to visit our national parks and experience America.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 19, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 18, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
April 20.