June 21, 2005Contact(s):
David Barna, 202 208-6843

Gerry Gaumer, 202 208-6843

Celebrate Independence in America’s National Parks
WASHINGTON,
D.C.— What better way to celebrate
Independence Day this year than by visiting a National Park. The
National Park Service (NPS) has the honor of preserving numerous areas
that commemorate the birth of the United States and American
Independence. The ideals and freedoms that were won during the American
Revolution and guaranteed in the Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence are celebrated throughout the National Park System.
“I invite everyone to come celebrate Independence this year at one of
the many diverse sites in the National Park System”, said Fran Mainella,
Director of the National Park Service. “Many of the events and people
that established and helped maintain our Independence as a nation are
today commemorated in areas managed by the NPS. Our National Parks are
open and our welcome mat is out.” The National Park Service has made
available in time for the Fourth of July, a web site to help visitors
plan their trip to an NPS site this Independence Day. By visiting the
Celebrate Independence in America’s National Parks website at:
http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/inde/celebrate.htm, people can learn of
the many special events and programs taking place during the week of and
on the Fourth of July at NPS sites throughout the nation. In addition to
a list of parks holding special programs, the web site includes
information and web links to books and documents related to the theme of
Independence, and an overview and list of several national park sites
related to Independence.
To learn more about American Independence and the National Park
Service and to gain a better understanding of our nation’s past,
present, and future, visit the Celebrate Independence in America’s
National Parks website, and more importantly visit a National Park this
Independence Day.