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 Proclamations Proc. 8002 More than eight decades later, Abraham Lincoln returned to the words and meaning of the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln knew that in the dis- tant future people would look upon it and "take courage to renew the bat- tle which their fathers began--so that truth, and iustice, and mercy . . . might not be extinguished from the land." A century after Lincoln, Martin Luther King, }r., called the Declaration of Independence a "promissory note to which every American was to fall heir." The Declaration of Independence has become a standard by which other nations and peoples measure their progress in the effort to advance human freedom. Even nations that are not yet free pay homage to freedom, and it is seen as a universal human good. Our Nation is vastly different than it was during the days of our founding-- yet our commitment to America's founding truths remains strong and steady. Our duty is to continue to fulfill the promise of Thomas }efferson's words and vision of a better life for all people. Meeting that responsibility is the best way we can honor the memory of the man who was an architect of the freest Nation on Earth. 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 of America, do hereby proclaim April 13, 2006, as Thomas }efferson Day. I encourage all Americans to ioin in celebrating Thomas }efferson's achievements, reflecting on his words, and learning more about this extraordinary man's influence on American history and ideals. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth 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 8002 of April 18, 2006 National Park Week, 2006 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation In America's national parks, the magnificent beauty of our country and im- portant examples of our Nation's cultural heritage are preserved and made available to Americans and visitors from all over the world. Each year, as we observe National Park Week, we underscore our commitment to con- serve our natural and historical treasures and encourage more Americans to enjoy, learn from, and protect these important parts of our heritage. Our Nation has a long legacy of conservation. In 1872, Yellowstone Na- tional Park became our country's first national park, and more than four decades later, the National Park Service was created. Today, the national park system includes almost 400 sites, with parks in nearly every state. From Yosemite National Park in California to Acadia National Park in Maine, and from Independence Hall to the Martin Luther King, }r., National 39

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