National Park Week, 2005

Proclamation 7887 of April 15, 2005

National Park Week, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's system of national parks is dedicated to
protecting our resources and preserving our cultural
and natural treasures. During National Park Week, we
celebrate these places and those who work to support
and maintain them. This year's National Park Week
theme, ``National Parks: America's Gift to the World,''
reminds us that our country's parks serve as tributes
to our Nation's history that are enjoyed by visitors
from around the globe.

My Administration is dedicated to ensuring that our
national parks remain a source of pride for our
citizens, and we are expanding our ability to protect
America's historical and natural wonders. By insisting
upon management excellence, the National Park Service
is ensuring that the most vital maintenance and
conservation needs of our parks are met and that
resources are spent where they are needed the most.

As we observe National Park Week, we recognize the
vital contributions of National Park Service employees
and volunteers. These dedicated men and women manage
nearly 400 areas, covering more than 84 million acres
in 49 states. Together with the 140,000 volunteers who
donated over 5 million hours to these sites last year,
National Park Service employees ensure that our
National Parks are safe and enjoyable places where
visitors can experience America.

America's national parks reflect our commitment to
protect the land that God has entrusted to our care and
to mark the milestones that have made us a better
Nation. In being good stewards of these treasures, we
maintain the legacy of our country for 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, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24,
2005, as National Park Week. I call upon the people of
the United States to join me in recognizing the
importance of our national parks and to learn more
about these places of beauty, their cultural and
historical significance, and the many ways citizens can
volunteer to protect and conserve these precious
national resources.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B