And they unite us.Īnd that’s what today is all about. They’re a birthright that we pass down from generation to generation. They’re treasures and wonders that define the identity of us as a nation. (Applause.)įolks, as I said, when I served as senator and Vice President, Jill and I made sure to take our children and grandchildren to national parks all around the country. Look, it’s great to be with Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture Brenda Malloy, a Chair of our Council on Environmental Quality.Īnd while she couldn’t be here today, I especially thank our first Native American who is a Cabinet member, Deb Haaland, who is the Interior - Secretary of the Interior. (Laughter.) So, I just want you to know that. You’ve been great stewards of these sacred lands.īut I just want you to know, the reason why he’s an environmentalist: He married one. (Laughter.)Īnd I’m also honored to be joined by several Tribal leaders here, because this is your progeny, this magnificent land. And I - he came to the White House, and he said, “I told you what I need.” (Laughter.)Īnd I said, “I’ll do it.” You know why? I was worried he’d never leave the damn White House if he didn’t go.

This guy, he made this finally happen - at least me signing this, certainly. (Applause.)Īnd the reason why I do - I want to tell you what happened here. But Joe from the House, and John and Michael - all of you have been determined, over the years, to protect these sacred and historic lands.Īnd Michael came over here - I want - I want Michael to come back up here a second. Governor Polis, he - Joe - Joe, I tell you what: I didn’t know that the former governor had worked for you. You’re right, this is the story of “America the Beautiful.” The way you talk about being a forest ranger is just - you just can just feel the power in this place when you talk about it.Īnd as you just heard, you have, the same way, these incredible leaders around you thanking you. And from the time my kids were old enough to travel with me, I’ve taken them to most - almost every national park in the country - down to Colorado, down to Snake River, just everywhere - because I wanted them to see - I wanted them to see what so many people don’t get to see.īut, folks, I want to thank Scott for the introduction and mostly for his service. One of the things I was saying earlier to some of the folks that we came over with is that one of the great treasures we have are our national forests and our national parks. Well, by the way, I - I wanted to come out here because I love being in Colorado. Not working, is it? Is this - can you hear me? (The President picks up a handheld microphone.) Is this one working? Hello, hello, hello. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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