[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.