Military Monday is happening on April 19, 2021, as part of the annual National Park Week celebration. Join us on social media as we thank our military for their service and share your own park experiences using #MilitaryMonday and #NationalParkWeek.

National Park Week
There are even more ways to celebrate National Park Week this year. Each day has a special theme, find yours!

Join the #RecreateResponsibly Movement
If you are heading to a park to celebrate National Park Week, keep some basic safety tips in mind while you embark on your adventure.

Find Your Virtual Park
Stay connected with national parks across the country with online resources and virtual experiences from anywhere in the world.
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 17 seconds
The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.

The image includes a portrait of Secretary Deb Haaland and the National Park Service arrowhead logo.
US Army Field Band's We Stand Ready Virtual Concert
The United States Army Field Band will present a live virtual National Park Week/Junior Ranger Day concert at 7 pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The program will be shared on the US Army Field Band Facebook and the National Park Service Facebook pages. The event will feature remarks by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and National Park Service Deputy Director Shawn Benge. The Secretary will also lead a virtual junior ranger swearing in ceremony for kids watching the concert.
How can you be involved? This week, complete as many activities from one of our junior ranger books, then tune in on Saturday night for the virtual junior ranger swearing in ceremony hosted by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
For Our Military and Their Families

Free Annual Passes
Active duty military and their dependents are eligible for free America the Beautiful Passes to national parks and federal recreation areas.

Passes for Veterans & Gold Star Families
A new pass program grants U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families free access to national parks.

American Military
Remember the sacrifices of the American military through people, places, and stories in parks that share the military experience.

Today's Military in Parks
Active duty military and veterans continue to use the parks today for ceremonies, training, and more.
PoP for Health
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the partnership between the National Park Service and the US Public Health Service, all year we are encouraging everyone to explore the Power of Parks for Health—especially for people's physical and mental health. Disover ways that you can use parks for healing and health.

Health Benefits for Veterans
Find solitude or challenges to stay healthy with the countless recreational opportunities and programs for veterans in parks.

Wilderness: Serene & Surreal
Experience Congaree National Park through the eyes of local veterans who find a reprieve in its healing and dynamic waters.

Vets on the River Programs
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hosts paddling trips for US military veterans and their families.

Joining Forces to Make Connections
A partnership started in 2018 continues to help bridge the divide between military service and civilian life at Saratoga NHP.
Featured Stories

Just Unveiled
Unveiled on April 16, 2021, the World War I Memorial honors service, valor, courage and sacrifice of 4.7 million men and women who served.

This Month's National Park Getaway
Trace the path that Dwight D. Eisenhower took as a military leader and president at a new memorial dedicated to his legacy.

Reflections on the USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor survivors, civilians and service members, talk about what it's like to go on the USS Arizona Memorial.

Raising the Flag
Seventy-five years after an iconic photo capturing the spirit of the Marine Corps was taken, Marines share what their memorial means.
A Continuing Tradition of Service
Even before the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, the US military was involved in managing and protecting national parks. Many battlefields managed by the War Department would also be incorporated into the National Park System during the 1930s. Today a tradition of service continues with military veterans filling our ranks as employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many National Park Service career fields, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

Buffalo Soldiers
The legendary cavalry units were among the first rangers tasked with protecting and managing the nation's public lands.

Past Military Uses of Parks
Parks have been used by the US military for various purposes over time, including training, healing, or relaxation for troops.

It's Your Turn
Use your skills and dedication from your military service as a steward of public lands. Learn about job, volunteer, and other opportunities.
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Billy's Experience
Billy talks about his experience on the TTAP crew at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Video: NPS / Kristi Rugg
- Duration:
- 53 seconds
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Pat's Experience
Hear more from Pat about his time on a TTAP crew at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Video: NPS / Kristi Rugg
- Duration:
- 53 seconds
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Rodney's Experience
Hear more about Rodney Flora's experience with the Traditional Trades Advancement Program. Video: NPS / Kristi Rugg
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 3 seconds
Find an Event
Set the calendar to April to find in-person and virtual programs for National Park Week (April 17-25, 2021) at any of the more than 400 national parks around the country. Or look ahead to find other upcoming programs about the military and to enjoy your national parks with family and friends. Remember to check ahead for trip planning information and to recreate responsibly for a safe visit.Jump to date
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Last updated: April 19, 2021