This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service, which was entrusted with the care of America’s national parks and monuments in 1916. Three Music & the Spoken Word broadcasts celebrate this anniversary. The first aired on June 12 and the others will air on July 10 and August 21. The July 10 broadcast features a “Spoken Word” message by Lloyd Newell speaking from Yellowstone National Park.

President Woodrow Wilson declared that the National Parks were “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and…leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Many countries around the world share the tradition of establishing national parks within their own boundaries for the benefit and enjoyment of their citizens and to preserve their unique natural wonders.

In the United States, by an act of Congress, Yellowstone was established in 1872 and at that time placed under the management of the Secretary of the Interior. By 1916 when the National Park Service was established there were 14 national parks and 21 national monuments. Today there are over 412 areas under the management of the National Park System.

Watch the special Music & the Spoken Word broadcasts on July 10 and August 21 with messages filmed in Yellowstone National Park in commemoration of the National Park Service’s anniversary. The music of the Choir and Orchestra, combined with the beauties of this natural setting, help us appreciate the divine hand in the creations of this world.