Proc. 7546 Title 3--The President learn more about how they can serve, to volunteer to help those in need, and to encourage the volunteers across the country who are answering the call to service. Americans looking for a way to serve can contact the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call, toll-free, 1- 877-USA-CORPS (872-2677). 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 21 through April 27, 2002, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to join together to celebrate the vital work that volunteers perform every day across our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7546 of April 23, 2002 National Park Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our national park system helps preserve our history, heritage, and the nat- ural beauty of our Nation for the enjoyment of all our citizens and many international visitors. Thanks to our park system, many of these treasures retain their original beauty and grandeur. The parks are places for recre- ation, education, and reflection, and we must take care of them in a way that preserves them for posterity. In 1872, the Congress established in the Territories of Montana and Wyo- ming what we all know now as Yellowstone National Park. This beautiful area later became the first to be designated as a national park. Our national park system was established in 1916 to protect and maintain our natural resources and historic sites. Today, there are 385 national parks on 84 mil- lion acres, visited annually by 280 million people from around the world. My Administration's "National Parks Legacy Project" was initiated to en- sure proper care for our national park system. Through thoughtful and dili- gent efforts, the National Parks Legacy Project will enhance the parks' eco- systems, improve outdoor opportunities, address infrastructure needs, and establish accountability through performance goals. The National Parks Legacy Project and other actions such as our support for the Everglades Restoration Plan and our request to fully fund the Land and Water Con- servation Fund are important steps to support existing and future parks, vital habitats, and threatened ecosystems. I have asked the Secretary of the Interior to prepare an annual report on the conditions of our national parks and to offer specific recommendations for improvements. We must also pay tribute to the role that the dedicated 20,000 men and women of the National Park Service play in preserving our parks. Each day these professionals and more than 120,000 volunteers work to make na- 74
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