OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2001

John Wright (O) 202/208-6416
(NPS) Elaine Sevy 202/208-6844

National Park Entrance Fees To Be Waived Over Veterans Day
Weekend To Inspire National Unity, Hope and Healing

"We all continue to be saddened and horrified by the magnitude of tragedy our nation has undergone, but we cannot give hate-filled terrorists a victory by forcing us to live in fear," said Norton, who made the announcement during a speech in Denver last night. "It's tragedies like these that make healing necessary so we can recover and rebound. What better places to begin that healing process than in our parks, where Americans can draw strength from national icons of freedom and peace from splendors of nature."

The Secretary said that one of these national icons - Federal Hall National Memorial, which was just three blocks from the World Trade Center and where George Washington took the first presidential oath of office - became a refuge to many fleeing the destruction of buildings all around it.

"Federal Hall, though damaged, still stands as a beacon of hope and of American perseverance in adversity," said Norton.

She also commended many members of Congress for their strong interest and support in urging all Americans to look to national parks and other public lands for the comfort and encouragement these special places provide.

"This Veteran's Day weekend, I encourage all Americans to join together with family and friends to honor the victims of our recent tragedies along with the veterans who protect our Nation's freedom and democracy," said Norton. "And I urge everyone to take advantage of this special opportunity to visit our nation's historic, cultural and natural treasures to reconnect with the values that have made this nation great."

The National Park Service, an Interior Department agency, manages the National Park System, which comprises 385 areas covering more than 84 million acres in every state (except Delaware), the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These areas include national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House.