Proc. 8003 Title 3--The President Historic Site, America's national parks are home to some of our Nation's most beautiful landscapes and richest history. This year's theme, "Connecting our Children to America's National Parks," reflects the National Park Service's commitment to encouraging young peo- ple to enjoy outdoor recreation and better appreciate our Nation's beauty and history. The National Park Service Junior Rangers program develops in- terest in our national parks by teaching children and their families about the importance of the national park sites. Young people can visit our na- tional parks online by going to the Junior Rangers website at www.nps.gov/ WebRangers. As Honorary Chair of the National Park Foundation, First Lady Laura Bush helps raise awareness about preservation of the parks and encourages support for programs like the Junior Rangers. Through initia- tives like this, the National Park Service is promoting good stewardship of the environment and appreciation of our Nation's heritage. With the opportunity to live in America comes a responsibility to ensure that our national parks remain a source of pride, pleasure, and education for all our citizens. During National Park Week and throughout the year, we pay tribute to the employees and volunteers of the National Park Serv- ice. For the past 90 years, these dedicated men and women have worked to maintain and enhance our national parks and to ensure that they are pre- served and enjoyed for generations to come. 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 22 through April 30, 2006, as National Park Week. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in celebrating America's national parks and becoming active par- ticipants in park conservation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8003 of April 19, 2006 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2006 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation For 50 years, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has helped individuals, schools, communities, businesses, and organizations promote healthy lifestyles. During this year's National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate the Council's 50th anniversary and underscore our Nation's strong commitment to health, physical activity, and fitness. President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the President's Council on Youth Fitness in 1956 to encourage America's youth to make fitness a priority. He wrote that year, "Our young people must be physically as well as mentally and spiritually prepared for American citizenship." The Council later be- came the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, including 40
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