First Lady Laura Bush headed to LaRue county Tuesday, where she observed the sights of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park.

For some, this was a trip to Kentucky a long time in the making.

In fact, the wait reaches back to February when Laura Bush's appearance at the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration was canceled due to ice and wind.

Tuesday, she made it out to the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, bringing with her a call to support the country's 391 national park service units.

"President Bush announced the Centennial challenge, which will put our parks on track for the next century of conservation and protection," Laura Bush told a crowd. "President Bush has called on corporations and individual citizens to donate over the next ten years over a billion dollars to support our national park service."

Laura Bush's support extends to Give a Lincoln for Lincoln.

That's a program that encourages Americans to donate a penny, a five dollar bill, or more to benefit six parks in four cities with histories tied to the life of the 16th president.

According to the first lady, it only seems fitting to promote the cause in Hodgenville.

"America's national parks are a perfect reflection of democratic life," Laura Bush says. "They invite all Americans, rich and poor, to share in our natural wonders. They demand a commitment from all
of us to conserve these resources for each generation to come."

The Give a Lincoln a Lincoln program aims to raise $200,000.

That's $1,000 for every year since Abraham Lincoln's birth.