Thanking Americas Armed Forces

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Date: May 16, 2012
Contact: Bruce Rowe, 219-395-1609

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE - To show our appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. Military, on May 19 - Armed Forces Day - the National Park Service will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents.


Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore does not charge an entrance fee so the new pass will not be applicable at Indiana Dunes. However, active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can pick up a pass for use at other national parks at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center located at 1214 N. State Road 49, in Porter, Indiana. Applicants must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm. The pass is also available at any national park that charges an entrance fee and can be used at any of the 147 national park sites around the country that has entrance fee. Find a list of national parks with entrance fees at https://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm.
  
This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at these locations.

"Through the years, military members, especially those far from home in times of conflict, have found inspiration in America's patriotic icons and majestic landscapes, places like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon that are cared for by the National Park Service and symbolize the nation that their sacrifices protect," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices."

National parks and the military have strong ties going back to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world's first national park in 1872. The U.S. Cavalry watched over America's national parks and did double duty, serving as the first park rangers until the National Park Service was created 44 years later. During World War II, many parks were set aside for the training and care of military personnel. Today, dozens of national parks commemorate military battles and achievements.



Last updated: April 10, 2015

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Mailing Address:

1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304

Phone:

219 395-1882
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center phone number.

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