George W. Bush

“ Americans take great pride in our country's natural beauty, and our Nation is blessed to have a park system of more than 80 million acres that belongs to us all. During National Park Week, we underscore our dedication to conserving these national treasures, and we pay tribute to the dedicated employees and volunteers of the National Park Service who care for them. ”

“ Established in 1916, the National Park Service now oversees a National Park System that has grown to include almost 400 sites, with parks in nearly every State. These parks protect beautiful landscapes, tell important stories about our country's past, and encourage our citizens to conserve our natural environment and celebrate our national history. They are places to learn, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. Through her work with the Junior Rangers and the National Park Foundation, First Lady Laura Bush and others are working to expand access to the riches of our parks. ”

“ Explore, Learn, and Protect." 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. ”