The Nation celebrates Independence
Day each year with impressive fireworks displays and patriotic music.
With support from many partnering organizations and individuals, the
National Park Service (NPS) manages many of these celebrations at numerous
National Park System sites, which commemorate the birth of the United
States and American independence.
The NPS also is responsible
for maintaining and providing quality, memorable visitor experiences
in these special sites, which preserve the ideals and freedoms that
were won during the American Revolution and guaranteed in the Constitution
and the Declaration of Independence.
Providing outstanding visitor
services while maintaining this precious legacy, however, poses immense
challenges.
"Presented with a significant
park maintenance backlog at the beginning of this Administration, President
Bush promised to address the problem and to reverse the trend,"
said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. "The President committed to
spend $4.9 billion over 5 years to address known problems while the
Service conducted an inventory and condition assessments to determine
the magnitude of deferred maintenance of NPS assets and identify measures
to protect the investments being made.
"In a post 9-11 world,
this Administration also is strongly committed to providing increased
security and outstanding public service to assure that park visitors
enjoy a safe, memorable experience in America's parks," said Norton.
Norton highlighted the following
examples of parks, all of which commemorate pivotal events in American
history, where key investments are currently underway:
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Independence National Historical Park, PA
Independence Hall and the related historical buildings which make up
the park witnessed the 18th century delegates to the Second Continental
Congress argue over the next step in the dangerous game of rebellion
and then issue the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later,
secret deliberations and hard compromises resulted in a new frame of
government to hold the country together - the Constitution of the United
States.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 18.7 million and 14 projects
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Boston National Historical Park, MA
Discover the revolutionary generation of Bostonians who blazed a trail
from colonialism to independence. Boston National Historical Park is
an association of sites that together give the visitor a coherent view
of the city's role in the nation's history.
Maintenance projects underway
FY 2002: $ 13.7 million and 17 projects
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $497,000 and 8 staff to Operate and Maintain
Rehabilitated Facilities. Funding is requested to operate and maintain
rehabilitated historic structures. The park recently completed restorations
of Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Building
28 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and the Monument and grounds at Bunker
Hill and Dorchester Heights. This request would allow the NPS and its
partners to introduce new interpretive tours and public programs and
to maintain the utility systems, grounds, visitor facilities and exhibits,
enhancing visitor experience.
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Colonial National Historical Park, VA
The park encompasses five units spanning more than 9,000 acres and 174
years. The sites mark the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown
and the last battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown -- literally
the beginning and end of English colonial America. The 23-mile Colonial
Parkway provides a link between the two sites. Join National Park Service
rangers for interpretive tours and drive the historic tour roads. Experience
the sense of place that formed the character of a nation in the 17th
and 18th centuries.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 16 million and 25 projects
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $263,000 and 4 staff to Provide Interpretive
and Educational Programs. Funding is requested to meet an increased
demand for educational and interpretive programs. Colonial administers
two historically significant sites: Jamestown, the first permanent English
settlement in North America in 1607, and Yorktown Battlefield, the final
major battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781. An increasing
number of schools take students on field trips to the park, creating
a need for additional educational programs. Interpretive programs at
the park would reach about 100,000 additional visitors, as visitors
come to the park for the 400th Anniversary at Jamestown and the 225th
Anniversary at Yorktown.
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Saratoga National Historical Park, NY
Site of the first significant American military victory during the Revolution,
the Battles of Saratoga ranks among the most decisive battles in world
history. Here in 1777, American forces met, defeated and forced a major
British army to surrender, an event which led France to recognize the
independence of the United States and enter the war as a decisive military
ally of the struggling Americans.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 336,000 and 3 projects
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Washington Monument, District of Columbia
Of all the Presidents of the United States, George Washington is the
most celebrated. Efforts to commemorate his legacy began during his
lifetime and continue to this day. His leadership and service to the
republic have been distinguished through the naming of the federal capital,
universities, streets, counties and a state. In addition to these honors,
he has been remembered in works of art and monumental buildings. But
none have captured the imagination of the people world-wide like the
Washington Monument.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 15 million and 1 project
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Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, MO
The Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old
Courthouse, site of the Dred Scott Case, make up this park. During a
nationwide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired
design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument
to the spirit of the western pioneers.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 16.4 million and 10 projects
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $668,000 and 8 staff to Increase Support for
Anti-Terrorism/Homeland Security Program. Funding is requested to continue
implementation of heightened homeland security measures aimed at ensuring
visitor safety and protecting resources. Jefferson National Expansion
Memorial has been designated by DOI as one of the "icon" parks
in the NPS that is considered a possible terrorist target.
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Lincoln Home National Historic Site, IL
The foundation of Abrahams Lincoln's political beliefs rested on the
idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence that, "All men
are created equal …" In his time, the debate over slavery
divided the country. Lincoln Home gives visitors the opportunity to
walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. A four block historic neighborhood
surrounds the only home Mr. Lincoln ever owned. Lincoln's home is the
centerpiece of the site. It has been restored to its 1860s appearance,
revealing Lincoln as husband, father, politician, and President-elect.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 1.3 million and 9 projects
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Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, VA
On Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered the
Army of Northern Virginia to Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant signaling
the end of the Southern States' attempt to create a separate nation.
The surrender at the small village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia
set the stage for the emergence of an expanded and more powerful federal
government.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $372,000 and 15 projects
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
The four figures carved in stone on Mount Rushmore represent the first
150 years of American history. The birth of our nation was guided by
the vision and courage of George Washington. Thomas Jefferson always
had dreams of something bigger, first in the words of the Declaration
of Independence and later in the expansion of our nation through the
Louisiana Purchase. Preservation of the union was paramount to Abraham
Lincoln and eventually a nation where all men were free and equal was
destined to be. At the turn of the Twentieth Century, Theodore Roosevelt
saw that in our nation was the possibility for greatness. Our nation
was changing from a rural republic to a world power. The ideals of these
presidents laid a foundation for our nation as solid as the rock from
which their figures are carved.
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $332,000 and 4 staff to Provide Long Term Anti-Terrorism
and Security Improvements. Funding is requested to improve security
programs at the park. Mount Rushmore, a recognized symbol of the United
States, features colossal sculptures of four American Presidents. There
is a documented history of incidents and threats, which continue to
the present time. Funding would be used to increase law enforcement
presence and capabilities. This request would enhance protection of
this national icon and provide a safer environment for visitors.
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Women's Rights National Historical Park, NY
The Park consists of four major historical properties and a state of
the art visitor center. Start at the visitor center where you can view
our inspirational film and exhibits. Continue to the Wesleyan Chapel
and imagine being a participant at the first Women's Rights Convention.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $38,000 and 2 projects
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Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, NY
Contains "Springwood", the lifelong home of America's only
four-term President. Roosevelt successfully led this nation through
the greatest crises of the Twentieth Century, the Great Depression and
World War II. Also on the site is the Presidential Library and Museum,
operated by the National Archives. Visitors may enjoy a guided tour
of FDR's home, take a self-guided tour of the museum, or stroll the
grounds, gardens, and trails of this 300-acre site.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 6.2 million and 6 projects
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USS Arizona Memorial, HI
Today the USS Arizona is a national shrine that symbolizes American
sacrifice and resolve. Through national tragedy, a "sleeping giant
awoke" and the United States moved towards its destiny as a global
power.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $1.5 million and 5 projects
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $246,000 and 1 staff to Provide Necessary Security
Compliance. Funding is requested to establish phase two of a law enforcement
program for this national icon. Prior to 9/11, the park did not have
any law enforcement ranger or daytime security. Funding would improve
the safety of employees and approximately 5,000 visitors per day and
ensure that the memorial remains open when increased security is required.
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The National World War II Memorial, District of Columbia
Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC the memorial commemorates
the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the WWII generation. The
National World War II Memorial creates a distinct, evocative and serene
tribute yet remains respectful and sensitive to its historic surroundings.
The memorial was recently dedicated on May 29th, 2004.
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $1,502,000 and 11 staff FTE's to Provide Operations
for the New World War II Memorial. Located on the National Mall, annual
visitation is expected to reach over three million. Funding is requested
to maintain the grounds and facilities, protect resources and ensure
adequate visitor services. Routine and preventative maintenance would
be provided for the 7.5 acre memorial, which contains extensive landscaping,
over 4,000 bronze works, six pools and waterworks, a plaza, lawns and
numerous sculptures. Daily interpretive programs would be provided to
inspire all visitors and deepen their appreciation and understanding
of the events and consequences of WWII.
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Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, KS
On October 26, 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-525 establishing
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to commemorate the
landmark Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public
schools. On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that
"separate educational facilities are inherently unequal" and,
as such, violate the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution,
which guarantees all citizens "equal protection of the laws."
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 2.5 million and 5 projects
President's FY 2005 Proposed Budget Request includes $61,000 and 1 staff
to Complete Establishment of Maintenance Program for New Facility. Funding
is requested to provide a maintenance program for the recently restored
Monroe school building, the park's only facility. Funds would be used
to provide a preventative maintenance program for the school building
and its new, technical infrastructure.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, GA
Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site includes a number of
facilities that are operated in partnership with the National Park Service,
Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center. Within these facilities
the visitor can learn about Dr. King's life and his influence on the
civil rights movement in America.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 2.8 million and 5 projects
President's FY 2005 Proposed
Budget Request includes $1,000,000 to Provide Support to Martin Luther
King, Jr., Center The King Center is comprised of Dr. King's Crypt,
a reflecting pool, Chapel of All Faiths, Freedom Hall, where artifacts
of Dr. and Mrs. King are displayed, and an administrative building that
houses staff and archives. Funding will be used to operate and maintain
the facility, as well as provide interpretive and educational services.
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The National Mall, District of Columbia
The National Mall's origins are as old as the capital city itself. The
open space and parklands envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant's plan, which
was commissioned by George Washington, created an ideal stage for national
expressions of remembrance, observance and protest.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 38 million and 32 projects
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Morristown National Historical Park, NJ
Attracted by Morristown's strategic location, General George Washington
twice chose Morristown as the site of the Continental Army's main winter
encampment during the War for Independence. The park includes the site
of the fortification from the 1777 encampment, and most of the ground
occupied during the vast 1779-80 encampment, where over 10,000 troops
endured the worst winter of the American Revolution.
Maintenance projects underway
since FY 2002: $ 5.9 million and 9 projects
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To learn more about American Independence and the National Park Service
and
to gain a better understanding of our nation's past, present, and future,
visit the Celebrate Independence in America's National Parks website
at: http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/inde/celebrate.htm.
