Chief Park Rangers' and Interpreters' Conference: Part One - Joint Sessions

First, I want to bring you a message from the Secretary. Unfortunately, he could not be here, but he does want to express to you on behalf of the Department his deep appreciation of the excellent service all of you are rendering the public in the National Parks. He wishes to be remembered to all of you, as do the Under Secretary and the Assistant Secretary. I d~'t know whether you realize it or not, but this is only the third meeting of a group like this in the entire history of the National Park Service. The first was held more than 30 years ago--in 1926 in Sequoia National Park. The second was held in Chicago in 1947, just before we moved back to Washington from our emergency "war" headquarters there. Now this third meeting is being held with the theme of "Teamwork for Protection and Services in the National Park System. II The reason for gathering here was to bring ourselves together, both the protective units and the interpretive units, in an effort to further analyze our problems and come out with a more complete and workable procedure of teamwork in helping one another for the benefit of all. Before we discuss this purpose further I'd like to dwell just a few minutes, if I may, on the background and history of the NationaJ. Park System. This may seem ali ttle out of order in a group like this when everyone present is already intimately familiar with what has taken place in the Service over a period of years. However, as for myself, I always find it helpful to look back over prologue when I'm trying to find my way forward.