News Release

The NPS Salutes Military Veterans

Veteran Adam Stump enjoys the view during a hike in Shenandoah National Park. Stump served in the U.S. Air Force  from 1993-2014 with two deployments to Afghanistan.

Courtesy of Adam Stump

News Release Date: November 4, 2019

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WASHINGTON – The National Park Service will commemorate Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, with special events and free admission nationwide.

“In recognition of the bravery and patriotism of America’s military veterans, all national parks will waive entrance fees for visitors on Veterans Day,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “While visiting our national parks, I encourage all Americans to pause and reflect on the significance of the holiday and the freedoms we enjoy thanks to the courageous service of the men and women in our military.” 

“We are grateful for the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve in the military,” said National Park Service Deputy Director David Vela. “We invite all veterans to continue the long tradition of enjoying respite, recreation and relaxation in their national parks. From the peaceful quiet of watching wildlife to the thrill of whitewater rafting, parks are full of activities that refresh the body and soul.”

“We fought for this land, now it’s time to enjoy it,” said Adam Stump, a combat veteran who frequently visits national parks to hike and soak in the surroundings. “National parks provide amazing opportunities to appreciate the beauty and history of this country that we served to protect.”

Throughout the country, take advantage of the resources in 419 national parks to paddle, fish, hike, bike, swim, climb, explore or simply relax.

Special events taking place include:

• Tours of a Nike missile site in Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the chance to chat with Cold War veterans in Gateway National Recreation Area.

• A highway dedication and sign unveiling ceremony in Three Rivers for Colonel Charles Young of the U.S. Army’s Buffalo Soldiers. Colonel Young was the first superintendent of Sequoia National Park.

• Screening and discussion of a documentary featuring nurses who served in the Vietnam War era at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

The National Park Service’s American Military website provides a list of additional events, as well as information about other military-related connections to national parks.

Veterans Day will be the last fee-free day in 2019. Active duty members of the military and permanently disabled veterans are also eligible for free year-round park passes. The passes provide free admission to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests and other federal recreational areas.
 

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.