Secretary Salazar Attends 75th Anniversary Celebration of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined Dolly Parton, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue and members of the two states' congressional delegations to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Sept. 2.

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    Secretary Salazar greets country singer Dolly Parton, self-proclaimed ambassador of the Smoky Mountains at the ceremony to rededicate the park and celebrate its 75th anniversary. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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    Secretary Salazar speaking from the stone stage of the Rockefeller memorial. In 1940 President Roosevelt spoke from the same spot and lauded the park's creation. The empty chair to the left of the podium was the one Roosevelt used that day. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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    The stone stage was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Secretary Salazar was joined by the Governors from Tennessee and North Carolina and their Congressional delegations. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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    Pictured left to right are Senators Bob Corker (TN) Richard Burr (NC) Lamar Alexander (TN), Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson, Senator Kay Hagen (NC) Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Dolly Parton, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, Representatives John Duncan (TN District 2), Phil Roe (TN District 1) and Heath Shuler (NC District 11). [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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    Dolly Parton closed the ceremony singing “My Mountain, My Home”. Seen here saying goodbye to Secretary Salazar as she departs the stage. (Photo credit: Tami A. Heilemann-DOI)

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