On May 18, 2016 I had the honor of serving as the Keynote Speaker for the 26th annual Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  This week-long event celebrates activities and displays of the nearby Smoky Mountains.  On August 25, 1940 FDR dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The park is now the most visited of the nations National Parks.

I, as FDR, was able to share the history of the National Park Service on this, the centennial year of its establishment, as well as relating the story of how the Great Smoky Mountains National Park came to be.  I was humbled at the standing ovation that our 32nd President received from the large crowd in attendance.

I am looking forward to appearances at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park in July, the Saratoga Historic National Park on August 25 (the actual day of the NPS centennial) and at FDR’s home on October 14 to recreate the Torchlight Parade that he was a part of on election nights during his presidency.  I hope to see you at one or more of these events.