NPS Celebrates Founders Day in Hawaii

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Date: August 17, 2012
Contact: Robert Burk, 808.423.7300

HONOLULU - The park rangers of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument invite the public to join them in celebrating Founders Day at a special event on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Neil Blaisdell Park in Waimalu from 9am to 11am. This free, family-friendly event includes opportunities for kids to earn Junior Ranger badges, talk story about family life during World War II, and win door prizes.

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act establishing the National Park Service "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life therein…for the enjoyment of future generations." With the centennial of the National Park Service fast approaching, parks across the nation are focusing on inviting and engaging children - future park stewards - in the wonders and history of national parks.

"From Acadia National Park to Pearl Harbor, there are hundreds of National Park sites, encompassing 84 million acres of natural beauty and American history. You can recreate, learn and be inspired by these national treasures," says Superintendent Paul DePrey. "We have record attendance at Pearl Harbor this year, and Founders Day is a time to reflect on the value of National Parks to our nation. As we approach our Centennial in a few years, we invite the public to celebrate the National Park Service's 96th birthday."

Event attendees can earn a Junior Ranger badge by learning about the Honouliuli Internment Camp, starting a family oral history project, and quizzing a Park Ranger. Afternoon visitors at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center can participate in origami crane folding and talk story about the peace between Japan and the United States. These events are supported through the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites partners, Pacific Historic Parks, and many other partnerships that promote and support understanding and appreciation of National Parks in Hawaii and the Pacific.

In addition to door prizes, a special $500 store merchandise prize will be awarded to the Oahu school with the most students (and student family members) in attendance. The first three hundred children to check in at the registration table will receive a free Passport to Pearl Harbor Tour VIP Pass (when accompanied by a paying adult).

WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument is one of eight NPS sites in the State of Hawaii. In total, these sites help contribute to over $250 million to the local economy. For more information on the National Park Service in Hawaii, please visit www.nps.gov/hawaii.



Last updated: March 1, 2015

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