[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 25, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24575-24576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10099]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 25, 2012 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 24575]]
Proclamation 8801 of April 20, 2012
National Park Week, 2012
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
When President Theodore Roosevelt first took office
over a century ago, he embarked on a tour of the
American West that would change his life and the life
of our Nation forever. He traveled from Yellowstone's
geysers, to Yosemite's granite cliffs, to Dakota's
Badlands, ever moved by the natural wonders of which he
and all Americans were proud inheritors. As he explored
wild country, he heard a call to preserve our country's
heritage that echoed throughout our forests and river
valleys. He remarked of the Grand Canyon, ``the ages
have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.''
From that sense of commitment sprang five National
Parks, 18 National Monuments, 51 Federal bird
reservations, and 150 National Forests. From that
commitment sprang an effort to save the great Redwoods
of California and the Petrified Forest of Arizona, the
great bird rocks of the Aleutian Islands and the
Tongass of Alaska. President Roosevelt inspired a
breathtaking legacy of conservation that has forever
enriched our lives, and in the decades since his
historic journey, millions have worked to build on his
enduring mission. When the fate of our lands and waters
has been cast into doubt, they have taken the long
view--that as Americans and as inhabitants of this one
small planet, it is up to us to preserve our national
heritage for our children, grandchildren, and for the
generations to come.
That spirit drives my Administration today. Since I
took office, we have set aside more than 2 million
acres of Federal wilderness and thousands of miles of
trails and rivers under the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act. Last November, I was proud to establish
the Fort Monroe National Monument, forever enshrining a
site of profound historical and cultural significance.
Today, I designated Fort Ord as a National Monument
that will not only protect one of the crown jewels of
California's coast--a world-class destination for
hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts--but
also honor the heroism and dedication of men and women
who served our Nation during the major conflicts of the
20th century. And with the America's Great Outdoors
Initiative, we continue to advance a smarter, more
community-driven conservation and recreation strategy.
We are partnering with cities and States to make it
easier for families to spend time outside no matter
where they live, and we are working to create jobs,
boost rural economies, and increase tourism by
enhancing public lands that draw travelers from across
the globe. To celebrate National Park Week, all 397
National Parks will offer free admission from April 21
through April 29, 2012. I encourage every American to
visit www.NPS.gov to find a nearby park and discover
the land passed down to us by our forebears.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told us ``There is
nothing so American as our National Parks.'' This week,
we honor the uniquely American idea behind them: that
each of us has an equal share in the land around us,
and an equal responsibility to protect it. That call to
conserve has echoed for generations--from Jefferson, to
Lincoln, to Roosevelt, to all who have done their part
to protect the land that they love. It is the call we
hear
[[Page 24576]]
today, and as we come together to celebrate our
national heritage, let us reaffirm our promise to
preserve America's treasures for the generations yet to
come.
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 21 through
April 29, 2012, 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
twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2012-10099
Filed 4-24-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P