WASHINGTON – As part of National Volunteer Week, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne presented Dave Johnson, a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. Johnson has been a volunteer at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park for 24 years.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award, created by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, is the highest award for volunteerism to be bestowed on Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
Johnson came to the Secretary’s attention through Take Pride in America, ® a national Department of the Interior program that promotes volunteer service on America’s public lands. Take Pride in America®helps citizens find volunteer opportunities and thanks them through recognition programs.
“I am honored to present this well-deserved award to Dave Johnson, who has contributed so much to help maintain the legacy of the C & O Canal National Historic Park,” Secretary Kempthorne said. “He has touched nearly every part of the park and serves as a vivid example of how each person can make a difference. He has also inspired many other volunteers to lend a helping hand.”
Johnson, has logged 5,500 hours improving conditions at the park, and has served in various leadership positions within the C & O Canal Association, a citizen’s group dedicated to the conservation of the C & O Canal and Potomac River Basin.
Every U.S. President since 1974 has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. In his proclamation last week President George W. Bush said “America's volunteers demonstrate that the strength of our Nation lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens.”
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