Grand Canyon National Park, one of the oldest, became a National Park in 1919 after much encouragement from Theodore Roosevelt.
After first visiting the Grand Canyon in 1903, Roosevelt exclaimed…
"The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world. … Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see."
We want to thank those who had the vision to create spaces like National Parks for all of America – and the world – to enjoy. We are so lucky and grateful to run white water raft trips through Grand Canyon and we wouldn’t be where we are without the help of those early visionaries.
Take this day to celebrate our country, our shared history and the treasures – such as National Parks – that we love.