January 24, 2005

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to send greetings to everyone attending the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s first annual Heritage Week.

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to the Preserve America Initiative. I commend you for your ongoing efforts to preserve heritage treasures in your care and make them accessible to the public. Your efforts will provide Americans and visitors with marvelous opportunities to view and learn about artifacts that help tell the story of our nation.

Congratulations on receiving the first-ever Chairman’s Award for Federal Achievement in Historic Preservation from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. I hope many others follow the terrific example you have set.

President Bush joins me in sending our admiration and appreciation for your commitment to this worthwhile cause. We hope your “Treasures of NOAA’s Ark” event is a great success!

With best wishes,

Laura Bush