[Federal Register: April 18, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 76)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 21211-21214]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18ap08-122]                         


[[Page 21211]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 8239--National Park Week, 2008


                        Presidential Documents 




___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

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                Proclamation 8239 of April 15, 2008

 
                National Park Week, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, ``There is 
                nothing so American as our National Parks.'' During 
                National Park Week, we underscore our commitment to 
                conserving these magnificent places and recognize the 
                many employees and volunteers who give their time and 
                energy to keep them beautiful for all Americans to 
                enjoy.

                This year's theme for National Park Week, ``Kids In 
                Parks,'' highlights youth programs and initiatives 
                offered by the National Park Service to encourage 
                children to be good stewards of the land. The Junior 
                Ranger program is one such program that encourages 
                America's youth to explore, protect, and learn about 
                our national parks. Today, many national parks have 
                active Junior Ranger programs. By visiting nps.gov/
                webrangers, young people can sign up to become 
                WebRangers, enabling them to learn about different 
                parks, monuments, and historic sites right from their 
                homes.

                Across the United States, the Federal Government plays 
                a vital role in protecting our natural and historical 
                treasures. My Administration launched the National Park 
                Centennial Initiative to preserve and enhance these 
                scenic wonders and to prepare for the 100th anniversary 
                of the National Park Service in 2016. Serving as the 
                Honorary Chair of the National Park Foundation, First 
                Lady Laura Bush has also played a significant role in 
                preserving our national parks. The First Lady is 
                actively involved in programs such as First Bloom, 
                which teaches children how to preserve native plants 
                across America. In addition, this past Christmas, the 
                White House highlighted our national parks with the 
                theme ``Holiday in the National Parks.''

                Our National Parks belong to each of us, and they are 
                natural places to learn, exercise, volunteer, spend 
                time with family and friends, and enjoy the magnificent 
                beauty of our great land. During National Park Week and 
                throughout the year, Americans of all ages can pledge 
                to help maintain and enhance America's national 
                treasures 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 19 through April 27, 
                2008, as National Park Week. I invite all my fellow 
                citizens to join me in celebrating America's national 
                parks by visiting these wonderful spaces, discovering 
                all they have to offer, and becoming active 
                participants in park conservation.

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                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-1166
Filed 4-17-08; 8:58 am]

Billing code 3195-01-P