By Kristy Kircher
Saturday marked the dedication of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at Grand Teton National Park.
It was standing room only at the ceremony. Folks filled up the seating area, and listened as esteemed guests addressed the crowds.
"Ladies and gentlemen it does not get much better then this," says Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne.
"This truly is a historical occasion," says Director Mary Bomar, National Park Service.
"I'm delighted to participate in this dedication," says Vice President Dick Cheney.
Cheney was the ceremonies keynote speaker. He is not only a Wyoming native, but was a close friend to former Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas.
Thomas' efforts to get the new visitors center to this point have not gone unnoticed.
The Wyoming senator was chairman of the National Parks Sub-committee, and authored landmark legislation to protect America's parks into the 21st century.
"Senator Thomas was a man from the old school, wonderful traditions, a true supporter of the national parks," says Bomar.
"He was a U.S. Senator, a U.S. marine, tough as nails, and a gentleman throughout," says Kempthorne.
The dedication ended after guest speakers expressed their gratitude toward Thomas, and the efforts to get this visitor's center underway.
Folks then made their way over to the visitor center. The 21,000 square foot building cost 18.5 million to build and is set to service the some four million people expected to show up each year.
"It is amazing they've obviously done a great job with the developing planning and collaboration between the groups," says Susan Thomas, Senator Thomas' wife.
Inside the center there are a number of exhibits designed to better understand Grand Teton National Park.
Themes include place, people, preservation, and mountaineering.
"This is mind boggling, absolutely magnificent," says Vince Finley.
On display you'll find life sized props, artifacts, and a video river running through the galleria.
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitors enter will be open seven days a week.
