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.

Celebrate Independence in America’s National Parks website