National Park Week, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 19-27, 2025, as National Park Week.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of national parks as symbols of American greatness, highlighting their historical and natural significance.
It encourages all Americans to visit and learn about these parks, connecting National Park Week to the commemoration of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and referencing past presidential actions related to park renaming and the creation of a new monument honoring American patriots.
Arguments For
Promoting National Parks: The proclamation elevates the importance of national parks as vital sources of inspiration, education, and recreation, showcasing America's natural and historical heritage.
Celebrating American History: The document connects National Park Week with the commemoration of historical events like the Battles of Lexington and Concord, fostering patriotism and civic engagement.
Encouraging Public Participation: By encouraging all Americans to celebrate national parks, the proclamation aims to increase public awareness and visitation, supporting the economic and social benefits of these sites.
Preservation and Conservation: Implicitly, the proclamation underscores the need for continued preservation and conservation efforts to protect these national treasures for future generations.
Arguments Against
Limited Scope: The proclamation focuses primarily on celebration rather than addressing specific challenges facing national parks, such as funding shortages, environmental threats, or accessibility issues.
Potential for Selective History: The mention of restoring names to parks that honor American greatness can be viewed as promoting a specific narrative of American history, potentially overlooking or downplaying other perspectives.
Lack of Concrete Action: The proclamation mainly serves as a symbolic gesture and lacks concrete policy measures or new initiatives related to national park management or funding.
Limited Impact: While encouraging participation is positive, the impact of a single proclamation on long-term park preservation might be marginal without accompanying legislative or budgetary actions.
Presidential Actions
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During National Park Week, we celebrate the majestic beauty and rich history preserved within our national parks. The week’s events will begin with a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War at Minute Man National Historical Park in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. There, ceremonies and tactical demonstrations will recall the bravery of the patriots who stood their ground against tyranny and launched a movement that secured the blessing of freedom and forever changed the course of history.
As President, I have taken action to restore names to our parks that honor American greatness — including returning Mount McKinley to its rightful name. I was also proud to announce the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes — a new monument honoring 250 American patriots who embodied the virtues of courage, love of country, and devotion to our Nation’s highest ideals. My Administration is promoting education that teaches our children to love our country and honor our history, including through the work of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
Our national parks are magnificent sources of inspiration, education, and recreation — representing our customs and culture. In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first-ever national park, commencing a proud American tradition that has led to the designation of more than 400 park sites of national significance. From prehistoric dwellings and architectural masterpieces to historic battlefields where our forefathers fought for independence, our national parks draw hundreds of millions of visitors each year.
This National Park Week, we renew our pledge to cherish and protect our magnificent symbols of American greatness, and we vow to ensure that they remain breathtaking for our children and grandchildren.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19 through April 27, 2025, as National Park Week. I encourage all Americans to celebrate our national parks by learning more about the natural and historical heritage that belongs to each and every citizen of the United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This proclamation declares April 19-27, 2025, as National Park Week.
It highlights the significance of national parks to American history and culture, referencing specific historical events and presidential actions relating to national parks and monuments.
The proclamation encourages Americans to engage with and celebrate the nation's parks.
The proclamation is signed by President Donald J. Trump, concluding with the date and a formal affirmation of its authority.