National Park Week, 2014

Proclamation 9105 of April 18, 2014

National Park Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

To honor America's natural beauty and cultural
heritage, the National Park Service will offer free
admission this weekend. This celebration opens
opportunities to take in the majesty of canyons,
redwoods, and geysers--to learn the history of Civil
War battles and Civil Rights marches. During National
Park Week, I encourage Americans to take advantage of
the chance to rediscover the great outdoors and
reconnect with the American story.

This year marks a significant milestone in America's
drive to preserve precious historic sites--the 30th
anniversary of the first National Heritage Area. For
decades, the National Heritage Areas Program has
enabled our Nation to set aside places that define our
shared history and that will help future generations
understand what it means to be American.

During my time as President, I have been proud to build
on this tradition by establishing 10 new National
Monuments. These sites honor American heroes from
Harriet Tubman to Cesar Chavez. They conserve the
diverse wildlife and rugged landscapes that reflect our
character as a people. And just as our parks nourish
our spirits, they bolster our livelihoods, attracting
tourists to communities across our country and bringing
customers to local businesses. For every dollar we
invest in our National Parks, America generates 10
dollars in economic value.

This week, as we recommit to conserving these cherished
lands, let us build new memories, take on new
adventures, and experience all they have to offer. To
find a National Park in your area, visit www.NPS.gov.

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 April 19 through
April 27, 2014, as National Park Week. I encourage all
Americans to visit their National Parks and be reminded
of these unique blessings we share as a Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.