118 STAT. 4121 PROCLAMATION 7773—APR. 16, 2004 millions of hours of service to our parks by clearing trails, repairing facilities, leading education programs, and assisting visitors. This year’s National Park Week theme, ‘‘Partners in Stewardship,’’; encour- ages all Americans to join these volunteer partners in helping to look after our nearly 400 national park areas. The Federal Government is investing more in its national parks now than at any time in its history. To help restore our national parks, my Administration proposed $4.9 billion in funding over 5 years on need- ed maintenance and repairs. We have undertaken hundreds of vital park maintenance projects and are planning and executing hundreds more. We are also using a new system of inventory and assessment to identify facilities needing improvements and to measure those im- provements as they are implemented. Our citizens own America’s parks, historic sites, battlefields, recreation areas, monuments, and shores, and we want these lands to be acces- sible and enjoyable for them to visit. We must respect our natural, cul- tural, and recreational heritage and conserve our parks for future gen- erations. Park maintenance is critical to achieving each of these goals. By modernizing trail systems, we make it possible for people to fully appreciate these remarkable places. By maintaining buildings, roads, and campsites, we ensure our parks remain sources of pride for our citizens, our communities, and our Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 25, 2004, as National Park Week. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in recognizing the importance of our national parks and to learn more about these areas of beauty, their cul- tural and historical significance, and the many ways citizens can vol- unteer to conserve these precious resources. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7773 of April 16, 2004 National Volunteer Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. Across our country, citizens are donating their time and talents to im- proving lives and strengthening communities. During National Volun- teer Week, we recognize and celebrate those who serve a cause greater than self. This year’s theme, ‘‘Volunteers Inspire by Example,’’; highlights the role of volunteers in encouraging others to serve. Last year, more than 63 million Americans gave their time to helping in their communities, VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
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