On Aug. 25, Americans will celebrate 86 years since the inception of the National Parks Service. In times like these, it is so important to find the things that make us proud of our country.
As summer is in full swing and folks head to national parks across the country I’m reminded what a treasure we have. The sad thing is these national treasures have been so under-funded for so long now that these special places are now in jeopardy. Many Americans assume that national parks are fully protected but that is not the case when funding for maintaining them is cut. We must not take these beautiful places for granted.
During these times when Americans are so focused on homeland security, let us not forget what we are protecting. National parks provide so much to all of us. I feel comforted when I’m hiking through the gentle wildflowers and I feel safe near the mighty glaciers and ridges of Mount Rainier.
With the one year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks right around the corner, I will look for more opportunities to renew my spirit and find peace and meaning in nature. And I would encourage our hard-working Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to also take some time to visit these great places to renew their spirits while they are home in August. Hopefully, they’ll be able to return to the “other Washington” refreshed from the experience and reinvigorated to push the United States Senate to do a better job when they consider the appropriations bill that deals with funding our national parks.
These special places must be protected for our children and for future generations to enjoy just as we do today.
Bothell
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