One of the best ways we can imagine the future in the new millennium is to preserve what we value of our past. But our important historic sites, documents, monuments, and art are deteriorating. As America changes, we must carry forward the heritage that embodies our nation's memory to inspire future generations.

President Clinton proposed a Millennium Fund to "Save America's Treasures" in his Fiscal 1999 budget and Congress appropriated $30 million for this program. The fund is administered by the National Park Service and will be allocated for the most urgent preservation projects of national significance. To show her support for this fund, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will be visiting historic sites in Queens, New York, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Los Angeles, and San Francisco California.

"Save America's Treasures" should stimulate new private efforts to preserve our heritage. Historic preservation in America has always been a public-private partnership. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is offering leadership by inviting individuals, foundations and corporations to participate in this great initiative by serving on the Millennium Committee to Save America's Treasure. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of this committee.

As we know, the new millennium will arrive regardless of what anyone may do. Save America's Treasures will succeed because of what each one of us will do.