John Muir’s Birthday
21 Apr
We can think of no one better to provide today’s blog, than Robert Hanna, Owner of Range of Light® and great-great-grandson of John Muir. Thank you Robert for continuing the amazing Muir legacy.
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Ever since I was a young boy I’ve had the great privilege of attending scores of events on April 21st to celebrate my great-‐great-‐grandfather, John Muir’s birthday. It’s been an absolute pleasure to not only meet so many amazing people, but to learn just how much Muir has inspired them, and in many cases motivated them to fight for their own causes that they’re passionate about in his honor.
Muir’s values and passion have been passed down through every generation of my family and his commitment to protect and preserve our parks and all places of natural beauty continue to fuel my own determination in my work today.
Having spent the past few years fighting for California’s state parks, I had the opportunity to learn first-‐hand what these amazing places mean to other people and their families. They belong to all of us, and we must continue to work to help remind everyone about the responsibility we all share in protecting them for all future generations. Seeing entire communities and families come together to fight for the places they love was one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever witnessed, and I consider myself truly blessed to have experienced it with so many incredible park supporters. Not only were we successful in stopping the proposed closures of 70 state parks in California, but we also showed that in times of action we would all unite as one for the very places we love. That is the power of our parks and that is the exact passion and fight that my great-‐great-‐grandfather had coursing through his veins.
Muir’s spirit lives inside all of us and we each carry on his legacy today in our own unique way. His words will forever speak to us, and may we continue to use them for our own source of inspiration. For me, I will forever continue my family’s commitment to protecting and preserving the places he loved.
Happy birthday great-‐great-‐grandad!!
-Robert
Kolby Kirk drawing of John Muir for Mile… Mile & A Half