National Park Service Founders Day

Gracie Smith
MSMU Class of 2027

(8/2024) This prompt gave me a lot to think about. This prompt challenged me to do something I first thought was simple until I began writing. That is, to explain to you the importance of our National Parks.

August 25th is National Park Service Founders Day. Wow, that’s a mouthful. On this day in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed what is now called the Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service. As part of the Department of Interior, the National Park Service protects 400 areas in 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, totaling 84 million acres.

Many of us are not as eager as we should be when visiting national parks, but most of that comes from a lack of knowledge regarding national parks. There are many national parks in our area that I encourage everyone to visit. Some of those parks are Antietam Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain, Harper’s Ferry, Fort McHenry, the Chesapeake Bay, Flight 93, Valley Forge, and Gettysburg. Not only does visiting national parks give us more knowledge about our nation’s history, but we can also appreciate the soft beauties within our nation.

Unpopular opinion, I would rather visit a national park than a beach any day. That said, I’ve visited so many beaches in my life that I am probably just burnt out on them. It’s the same routine each time. Set up chairs, put sunscreen on, and sit uncomfortably in your falling-apart chair until an appropriate amount of time has passed before you can leave and call it a "beach day". No, thank you. Every national park is different and has so many activities to offer. From sightseeing to tours, museums, hiking, swimming, and kayaking, there is always something new to try and to see. Who wouldn’t be excited about that? The beach was always my mom’s thing, however, camping and exploring was always my dad’s thing. Safe to say my preferences mirror that of my father’s when it comes to things to do.

That said, what do I love most about national parks? Reflecting on this loaded question, it comes down to the memories I have with my dad. Ever since I was little, my dad would take me camping, and show me all kinds of things my mom would never have done. Not because she didn’t want to, but simply because it wasn’t her thing. Dad and I used to, and still do, visit Gettysburg every chance we got. Whether it’s just to have lunch or walk the battlefield, our passion for knowledge and history drives us to learn more and continue visiting our national parks.

Last summer, I remember going to Gettysburg with my dad to do a bus tour (yet again) and visit some museums. That was easily one of the best days I had that summer. We left bright and early in the morning and didn’t leave until close to dinner time. I not only learned so much about something I was passionate about, but I got to geek and nerd out with my dad and my aunt without feeling foolish for doing so. We toured the battlefield, visited museums, had lunch, and visited a bunch of shops, one of which I bought a really nice sweatshirt in. The most amazing part of that day was driving home and realizing how close I was to Gettysburg. I remember thinking to myself, "I could do this all again".

Later that same summer, I moved into college early as part of a bridge program where we all visited Harper’s Ferry. I’ve never taken so many pictures in my life, and I don’t believe my dad received so many text messages in his life. Sorry, dad.

To this day I keep trying to get my dad to go to Harper’s Ferry with me. I absolutely loved learning everything about Harper’s Ferry and, contrary to most, I loved writing the essay we had to write on John Brown from all the information we learned at Harper’s Ferry. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to write an essay, and everyone I talked to knew that.

My third National Park story takes place in the Shenandoah Valley when my family and I visited the Luray Caverns. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about it since we’d be going underground in a very fragile area. However, once we got down far enough, I was able to appreciate the pure and utter beauty of the caverns. It’s amazing to think that something so astounding actually exists; looking up at the sparkling rock crystals wondering how on earth they don’t fall to the ground. Truly amazing.

I believe that National Park Service Founders Day should be celebrated a little more, and definitely deserves more recognition. The memories that are made within parks all over the country are worth so much to families. Not to mention the lasting impact your visit will have on each member of your family.

The conservation of our National Parks should be advertised so much more than it is. In the past several visits I’ve made to Gettysburg, I was very happy to see how crowded the parking lots were at the visitor's center and around the battlefield. The idea that people are interested in learning about our nation’s history excites me, and I want nothing more than to be a part of it.

This prompt gave me the opportunity to express to you the importance of our national parks and their conservation, as well as my passion for them. I hope that on August 25th you might visit one of our amazing national parks and participate in the fun activities each of them has to offer. I promise they are so much more exciting than they appear. I hope my article will impact you enough to at least check them out. Happy National Park Service Founders Day.