Remarks prepared for delivery
The Honorable Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior
National Arbor Day Tree-Unveiling Ceremony
April 27, 2001

This is an exciting day and I'm honored to be part of it. I want to thank the National Arbor Day Foundation for taking on this challenge and hosting this fun and important event.

Trees have long been a symbol of hope for the future. As children we climbed them. As families we've had picnics underneath them. As adults we gaze at their beauty from afar.

Trees represent might, majesty, admiration, and the triumphant struggle to prevail.

The tree we plant today will be enjoyed by generations of people who travel to the nation's capitol - and see this city's great sites.

Over the past few months, I've had the real privilege of meeting and talking with many people - especially children - across the country who care about our natural resources.

I'm especially excited about the number of schools across the country getting involved in National Arbor Day and voting for our national tree.

The Interior Department is responsible for overseeing one out of every four acres of U.S. land. This is only possible because of the dedication of people who love and appreciate our landscapes and our environment.

Since the Interior Department was founded, over a 152 years ago, the Department has planted over half a billion trees.

Arbor Day also coincides with National Park Week. And the two go together perfectly. Nearly 300 million people travel to our parks each year - and enjoy our trees and their beauty.

But what better way to learn about nature than to start in your own backyard, in your own communities and schools. Together, with the support of the National Arbor Day Foundation, we can continue to grow a spirit of community.

I'm honored to be a guest today and I thank the National Arbor Day Foundation for their hard work and dedication to our land, and to our future.

Thank you for attending. Now let's turn our words into actions and let's each plant a tree.

Thank you.