National Park Week, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7428 of April 17, 2001

National Park Week, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States boasts an incredible wealth of
natural beauty. From rugged coastlines and thick
forests to arid deserts and canyons, our diverse
landscapes represent a treasured heritage of which all
Americans can be proud.

Our country's commitment to the conservation of its
open spaces runs deep. The Nation founded Yellowstone
National Park in 1872 and thereby generated renewed
appreciation for the great outdoors among Americans.
Our country's actions inspired other countries to
follow suit by establishing their own national parks or
equivalent preserves.

Since the establishment of the National Park Service in
1916, our national parks have grown to occupy a special
place in the hearts of the American people. As
responsible stewards, we must leave them in good
condition for those who follow us. By providing
additional resources for their preservation and
maintenance, we can prevent the deterioration in
facilities and infrastructure that threatens their
future well-being.

National parks are a testament to the natural wonders
of our mountains, valleys, rivers, and streams. They
remind us to take a break from the busy pace of modern
society to experience the simpler pleasures of life and
provide unique opportunities for personal recreation.
Whether camping in Yosemite National Park or boating
along Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, people of all
ages can take in spectacular scenery and enjoy a
relaxing time with family and friends.

The National Park Service also serves an educational
purpose, honoring our heroes and preserving important
historical landmarks. By visiting the Frederick
Douglass National Historic Site, the immigration
station on Ellis Island or many other significant sites
in our national parks, Americans gain a deeper
understanding of our national story and the
extraordinary people and events that paved the way for
our development and progress.

National Park Week pays tribute to the importance of
our national parks and recognizes the dedicated men and
women entrusted with their care. The observance also
calls attention to the need to reinvest in these
national treasures by providing for their sound
stewardship in the years to come. As timeless and
majestic reminders of our outdoor heritage, America's
national parks add immensely to our quality of life and
represent a wonderful legacy that must be passed on to
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 of America, do hereby proclaim April 23 through
April 29, 2001, as National Park Week. I encourage all
Americans to visit our national parks and experience
America.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B