[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 22 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Page 769]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8265--Great Outdoors Month, 2008

 May 30, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    From the Appalachian Mountains to the Grand Canyon, America is 
blessed with places of natural beauty where our citizens can discover 
the full splendor of this great Nation. During Great Outdoors Month, our 
Nation celebrates the grandeur of our open spaces, strengthens our 
commitment to preserving this heritage, and reaffirms our dedication to 
protecting our air, water, and lands.
    My Administration remains dedicated to wise stewardship of the 
environment, and we will continue to protect our Nation's natural 
wonders. This past year, we have made great strides in helping wildlife 
thrive and in restoring habitat for migratory birds through cooperative 
conservation. Working with State and tribal officials, we are preserving 
important wildlife habitats and expanding the National Wildlife Refuge 
system. Citizens can visit takepride.gov to learn more about 
opportunities to care for our environment.
    Great Outdoors Month is an opportunity to honor those who work to 
keep our natural places beautiful and to celebrate some of our country's 
favorite outdoor pastimes. These activities encourage a healthy 
lifestyle and give Americans pride in the great American landscape. As 
responsible stewards of our natural resources, we can help ensure that 
the great outdoors will be available for enjoyment by 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 June 2008 as Great 
Outdoors Month. I call on all Americans to observe this month with 
appropriate programs and activities, and to take time to visit and enjoy 
the great outdoors.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:59 a.m., June 3, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 4. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.