    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 16 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
    [Pages 730-731]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8002--National Park Week, 2006

     April 18, 2006

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        In America's national parks, the magnificent beauty of our country
    and important examples of our Nation's cultural heritage are preserved
    and made available to Americans and visitors from all over the world.
    Each year, as we observe National Park Week, we underscore our
    commitment to conserve our natural and historical treasures and
    encourage more Americans to enjoy, learn from, and protect these
    important parts of our heritage.
        Our Nation has a long legacy of conservation. In 1872, Yellowstone
    National Park became our country's first national park, and more than
    four decades later, the National Park Service was created. Today, the
    national park system includes almost 400 sites, with parks in nearly
    every state. From Yosemite National Park in California to Acadia
    National Park in Maine, and from Independence Hall to the Martin Luther
    King, Jr., National Historic Site, America's national parks are home to
    some of our Nation's most beautiful landscapes and richest history.
        This year's theme, ``Connecting our Children to America's National
    Parks,'' reflects the National Park Service's commitment to encouraging
    young people to enjoy outdoor recreation and better appreciate our
    Nation's beauty and history. The National Park Service Junior Rangers
    program develops interest in our national parks by teaching children and
    their families about the importance of the national park sites. Young
    people can visit our national parks online by going to the Junior
    Rangers website at www.nps.gov/WebRangers. As Honorary Chair of the
    National Park Foundation, First Lady Laura Bush helps raise awareness
    about preservation of the parks and encourages support for programs like
    the Junior Rangers. Through initiatives like this, the National Park
    Service is promoting good stewardship of the environment and
    appreciation of our Nation's heritage.

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        With the opportunity to live in America comes a responsibility to
    ensure that our national parks remain a source of pride, pleasure, and
    education for all our citizens. During National Park Week and throughout
    the year, we pay tribute to the employees and volunteers of the National
    Park Service. For the past 90 years, these dedicated men and women have
    worked to maintain and enhance our national parks and to ensure that
    they are preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.
         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 22 through April
    30, 2006, as National Park Week. I call upon the people of the United
    States to join me in celebrating America's national parks and becoming
    active participants in park conservation.
         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day
    of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
    thirtieth.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 20,
    2006]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April
    21.