Walking through History

They are sometimes portrayed in movies in their brown shirts and cowboy hats while riding their horses scaring away the bad guys. However, the people behind the US National Park Service are giving Americans a great service by preserving our natural treasures and historical monuments. They are not just protecting a tree or an old house. They are making sure the history, the culture and the natural resources of a country, of people will be there for the next generations to enjoy.

There are 400 national parks and monuments scattered all over the United States. While these and many more places of natural and historical significance are being taken cared of by private institutions and local government, park service professionals maintain the highest capability in planning, protecting and recording these sites. With all 83,000 of these sites identified as with historical significance, their job is really daunting.

Some of these parks may just be a vast tract of forests or rivers gorging through mountains, but they are part of making America a country she is today. Natural resources are being protected so animal and plant species are allowed to thrive and do their work in nature. They are also great recreation sites for the people – for camping, fishing and a lodging trip with family and friends. These parks are protected so many more people will enjoy nature and its bounty.

Perhaps the most challenging to preserve are monuments – which have stood as a testament to people who have contributed greatly to the country and places where a historical event occurred that helped build a nation. These places are protected for people to see and to learn. That is why during early school years, children tour monuments and historical sites. And even older folks take these tours. These are not just trips to while away time and spend money. These are trips that educate the people on how they have become what they are today.

Through these tours, we are taught how our forefathers have sacrificed much and how they worked hard in order to make the United States what it is today. In these visits, we will see their work and their victories, and we will take with us, so we too will work harder to make our country better for the next generations.

Whether a road trip with friends, a camping with the family, or a day tour with the class – touring monuments and heritage sites are a great activity that is so much fun while learning a lot at the same time. With so many parks to choose from, one can only log on to the US Parks Service website and start with the monument or park nearest you.