The National Parks Service turns 100 years old today. National Parks are one of America’s great ideas. Preserving our natural treasures in perpetuity as publicly owned parks was a brilliant and revolutionary idea in the late 1800s and it changed the world. Countries all the world have adopted the concept and in doing so have created an amazing legacy for future generations.

I treasure the time I’ve been fortunate enough to spend in our National Parks. A huge thank you to all the members of the National Park Service. They take care of our parks. It’s a vocation that people choose because of their love and reverence for the parks and we all owe you a debt gratitude for your hard work and dedication to our parks.