Director Bomar's Christmas Message

On December 17th, Director Bomar sent out a memo entitled “Coming Together at Christmas: A Salute to the National Park Service Family in the field, at Eye Street, at AOC, at Main Interior and the U.S. Park Police.” The text follows:

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Some of our earliest—and best—memories come from the holidays. As a girl, I recall traditions from the holidays: games we played as children, carols sung, stories told and above all getting back in touch with family, friends and acquaintances. The holidays—like our national parks—unite us all during this time of the year.

Each year, I look forward to the task – and it is a task worth the work it requires – of putting together a holiday letter that summarizes a year drawing to a close, remembering the joys and highlights, and even the disappointments along the way. It was, as the song says, “A Very Good Year.” We accomplished a lot of good, prevented some bad, and restored some things that could have been lost.

Over the years, I have collected Christmas ornaments from many parks. I am grateful for them as reminders of good times, good people, and good places. The holidays help me reflect on those who helped me on my way, last week, last month – and throughout my career. I hope it is the same with all of you, regardless of your own holiday traditions.

In Washington, we chose “Coming Together” as the theme for this year’s holiday party—we will celebrate as a team, with our colleagues and members of the National Park Service family. We also extend those greetings to you, not only in this memo, but in a podcast at http://www.inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=2&prg=27&id=7669

The holiday spirit brings to mind a message from an unexpected source. The Dalai Lama teaches, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

And that is my holiday message to you all. Be kind to one another…support one another…and encourage one another, not just this season, but always.

The National Park Service has a tradition of selfless service to a great cause. Our family works together, plays together and sometimes even fights together, while always striving to make our parks and programs useful and valuable for the American people.

It is no accident that poll after poll, year after year, finds the National Park Service to be the most respected federal agency.

Your pride in what you do gives the rest of us pride in you. We will recognize that pride and your achievements in the 2008 Director’s Annual Report, which will be distributed in the next few weeks.

Carry that holiday spirit throughout 2009—and beyond. Seize opportunities; practice compassion. You will like what happens when you do.

Along the way, now and throughout the year, please remember those who are far from home, sometimes in harm’s way, also serving to make life better for us all. And keep yourselves, your families, and one another safe in 2009.

Happy holidays, and Happy New Year!