Statement by John L. Nau, III, Chairman of the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
President and Mrs.
Bush launched an initiative that will help strengthen understanding
of our heritage and increase pride in America.
Preserve America will benefit our nation and its communities in many diverse ways. It will stimulate public interest and action to better preserve our historic and natural legacy. It will serve to educate our Nation's youth by encouraging them to personally participate in preservation and experience our history. It will call all Americans to explore our heritage, discover our special places, and share and cherish these national treasures.Preserve America will call all Americans to explore our heritage, discover our special places, and share and cherish these national treasures.
In signing the Executive order titled "Preserve America" and announcing the Preserve America initiative, the Bush Administration has demonstrated its commitment to preserve our heritage, increase awareness of what and who we are as a Nation, and pass on our legacy intact and enhanced to generations to come.
Under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, executive branch agencies are charged to consider preservation as a fundamental part of accomplishing their core missions. The President's Executive order reiterates and improves that role, and asks that agencies fulfill these responsibilities by fostering intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships so local communities and the nation will benefit even more in the future from federal stewardship of its historic and natural places.The Preserve America Executive order asks that agencies fulfill their historic preservation responsibilities by fostering intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships.
Mrs. Bush's announcement of the Preserve America initiative complements the Presidential action by calling the nation to participate in creating greater education, understanding, and pride in our heritage.
We know from our history that the Federal Government works best when it works in partnership with communities, counties, states, tribes, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and individuals to unleash the creativity and innovation that exist everywhere in America. The initiatives announced form the basis for increased attention to the role of Federal agencies in heritage tourism and local public-private partnerships in historic and cultural preservation.
We have learned that heritage tourism is a great economic development tool for communities. Through these initiatives, our natural and cultural treasures will be protected for future generations while communities benefit economically, culturally, socially, environmentally, and educationally.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is honored to now join with the President and Mrs. Bush in making this visionary framework for heritage preservation a reality. And we invite you to explore and enjoy our heritage—Preserve America.
Posted March 10, 2003