The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Take a look back at past Presidential and Cabinet trips to the Everglades, and see what President Obama is doing for Earth Day 2015.
Today, in honor of Earth Day, President Obama is traveling to the Everglades – the tropical wetlands in the southern part of Florida.
Since 1970, we've commemorated Earth Day on April 22 each year, with worldwide celebrations in support of environmental protection. President Obama is visiting the Everglades this year to highlight how climate change is already damaging American treasures like our National Parks, as well as how climate change will affect our economy, our personal health, and our national security. The Everglades, one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive regions in the country, is a key source of drinking water for a third of Florida’s residents, and significantly boosts Florida’s revenue and economy through tourism at the park.
President Obama isn't the first President or Cabinet member to visit the Everglades, though. Check out a few photos of other Presidential and Cabinet trips to the Everglades over the years:
Harry S. Truman speaking at the dedication of Everglades National Park in Florida. Also present and visible behind the President are (from left to right): John Steelman, Clark Clifford, Admiral William D. Leahy, Stanley Woodward, and Major General Harry Vaughan. December 6, 1947. (by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum)
Harry S. Truman (center near car, on left, shaking hands) exits the "Sacred Cow" at the Naval Airfield in Boca Chica, Florida, after his return to Key West from his speech at Everglades National Park. December 6, 1947. (by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum)
George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, far right, talk with National Park Service Personnel during a visit to Everglades National Park. June 4, 2001. (by Eric Draper, Courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum)
Secretary Gale Norton, foreground center, during Florida Everglades tour. Norton's Florida visit also included participation in a meeting of the South Florida Ecosystem Task Force in Plantation, concerning Florida Everglades restoration, 01/16/2002 (by National Archives)
For more information on Earth Day and President Obama’s visit to the Everglades today, check out WhiteHouse.gov/EarthDay.
Read the President’s Climate Action Plan here.
