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01/16/2022

Knowing he would be remembered by history, Thomas Jefferson often thought about his own legacy. He even went so far as to write his own epitaph. Ignoring the many offices he held, Jefferson only wanted three accomplishments listed on his gravestone: author of the Declaration of Independence, father of the University of Virginia, and author of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom – which became law on this day in 1786.

The forerunner of the First Amendment section reading "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom is a statement about both freedom of worship and the principle of separation of church and state. An excerpt from the Statute is written on the wall inside the Jefferson Memorial on the National Mall.

Photo by National Park Service.

12/20/2021

A poignant holiday gesture to honor all who served and all who fell while defending and protecting our nation. Thank you to all who volunteered for yesterday, especially here on the 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

12/13/2021

12/08/2021

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Survivors, veterans, and visitors from around the world come together in remembrance. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, home of the USS Arizona Memorial, you can learn more about one of the most pivotal moments in US history and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.

Details about the 80th commemoration ceremony and other commemorative events can be found at https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm

Image: A line of park rangers salute commemorative wall of names within USS Arizona Memorial.

11/10/2021

Happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps. Though it's not on the National Mall, the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial – commonly called the Iwo Jima memorial – is a popular stop on any visit to our nation's capital. Based on an iconic image of the second flag-raising on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II, the memorial is dedicated to "the Marine dead of all wars and their comrades of other services who fell fighting beside them." Located just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, it's a great place to celebrate our brave marines and admire a stunning view of Washington, D.C.

Photo by National Park Service.

11/05/2021

Tonight's sunset was AMAZING.

Photo by National Park Service.

09/14/2021

09/08/2021

08/25/2021

The National Park Service was officially established on August 25, 1916!

For 105 years, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of visitors every year.

Today, National parks across the country will be hosting in-park programs and virtual experiences. Entrance fees are also waived for everyone to come out to enjoy their national parks! Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/nps-birthday.htm

01/12/2021

12/25/2020