For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 4, 2004

Great Outdoors Month, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

More than 200 years ago, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked upon an expedition to explore uncharted lands and find passage across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. During the Captains' journey, their Corps of Discovery encountered remarkable landscapes, observed wildlife, and traded with American Indians. Two years into his experience, Captain Lewis was inspired by the beauty of a waterfall along the Missouri River that he called in his journal, "the grandest sight I ever beheld." Today, the splendor of the great outdoors continues to inspire our citizens, and a love of outdoor recreation remains a fundamental part of the American character. By observing Great Outdoors Month, we celebrate our commitment to appreciating and protecting our natural wealth.

Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends, and all across our country are scenic places that sports and nature enthusiasts can explore and help keep beautiful. During Great Outdoors Month and throughout the year, I encourage Americans to go camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching, boating, or to participate in other outdoor activities that are part of a healthy lifestyle.

The true strength of our Nation lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens, and I urge all Americans not only to visit our parks and recreation areas, but also to volunteer their time and talents to help maintain the beauty of our environment. Good stewardship of the environment is not just a personal responsibility, it is a public value; and citizens who lend a hand to local parks and public lands are vital to the preservation of our Nation's many special places. Americans can take pride in the remarkable progress we continue to make in conserving our environment and natural resources.

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 June 2004 as Great Outdoors Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to participate in safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of June, 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

# # #

Printer-Friendly Version

Email this page to a friend

Issues Economy Iraq Education National Security Homeland Security More Issues En Español Hurricane Relief   |   News Current News Press Briefings Proclamations Executive Orders Radio      |   News by Date   |   September 2004   |   August 2004   |   July 2004   |   June 2004   |   May 2004   |   April 2004   |   March 2004   |   February 2004   |   January 2004   |   December 2003   |   November 2003   |   October 2003   |   September 2003   |   August 2003   |   July 2003   |   June 2003   |   May 2003   |   April 2003   |   March 2003   |   February 2003   |   January 2003   |   December 2002   |   November 2002   |   October 2002   |   September 2002   |   August 2002   |   July 2002   |   June 2002   |   May 2002   |   April 2002   |   March 2002   |   February 2002   |   January 2002   |   December 2001   |   November 2001   |   October 2001   |   September 2001   |   August 2001   |   July 2001   |   June 2001   |   May 2001   |   April 2001   |   March 2001   |   February 2001   |   January 2001   |   Talk Back Ask the White House White House Interactive   |   Appointments Nominations Application