Parents Frank and Anne Vento
accepting the Tribute Award presented by NPT Chairman, Stephen Miller

On April 25, 2001 in Washington D.C., the Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award was established by the National Park Trust to recognize an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service, skill, resourcefulness or innovation in the preservation of land, water or historic resources for the legacy of America.

The twelve-term Democrat from Minnesota died on October 10, 2000.

Past award recipient, Congressman John Lewis stated in his 2004 address, "Bruce Vento was a good man. He was an environmental stalwart - a Member who stood second to no one when it came to protecting our environment, strengthening our parks, and preserving our national heritage. He was the environmental conscience of the House, and he continues to inspire Members of Congress -and people throughout the country - who are fighting to make our nation a little cleaner and a little greener for our children and generations yet unborn."

At a 2000 dinner tribute to Vento, former President Bill Clinton said, "he has steered into law more than 300 bills to protect our natural resources. Fellow Minnesotan and former Vice-President Walter Mondale stated, "I think Bruce Vento has been one of the most impressive and effective congressman in modern Minnesota history. It's hard to think of an environmental issue where his leadership has not been found."

Born on October 7, 1940 in St. Paul, Vento attended the University of Minnesota and Wisconsin State University. He worked as a science and social studies teacher before his election to the state House in 1970. He was elected to his first term in Congress in 1976.

We pay tribute to a man who so unselfishly gave of his life for the good of his beloved State and Nation… 
      - Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura

Bruce served the people of his district nobly, with dignity, with passion, with purpose… 
       - Rep Jim Oberstar, D-MN

A man of such honor and character graces us all too seldom… 
        - St Paul Mayor Norm Coleman

He was a people’s politician… 
        - Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton

Bruce left a legacy of over 300 “classrooms” we call America’s parklands… 
        - Paul Pritchard, Founder, National Park Trust

PAST RECIPIENTS

2007 Award Recipient - George Miller

2006 Award Recipient - John McCain

2005 Award Recipient - Bob Graham

2004 Award Recipient - John Lewis

2003 Award Recipient - Connie Morella

2002 Award Recipient - John F. Seiberling

2001 Award Recipient - Lowell Thomas, Jr.