Veterans Day

Left image
A group of soldiers from the 3rd Engineer Special Brigade at Yosemite National Park during World War II
Credit: (Yosemite National Park Archives)

Right image
A group of military veterans participate in a leadership seminar in Yosemite National Park in 2019
Credit: (Courtesy of Steve Shackleton)

Many national parks have direct connections to the American military—there are dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and the freedoms that our veterans protect.

The majestic landscapes, natural wonders, and patriotic icons that we cherish as a society have also inspired military members through the years. The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the national parks that have served as reminders of home to those stationed abroad. On Veterans Day, or any day, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country with a visit to a national park.

The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11). Find tips to recreate responsibly while you visit!

American Military

Explore military history in national parks, learn about our military heritage, and find opportunities for veterans in parks.

Entrance Passes for Military

Learn about free entrance passes for national parks for eligible active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star Families.

Veterans Day Videos

• 

  Sites of Remembrance

  A ranger shares her personal connection to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, and how the memorial helps her honor the service and sacrifice of her father.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 34 seconds

• 

  Thank You for Your Service

  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.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 8 seconds

Shared History and Missions

A LONG HISTORY TOGETHER

Past Military Uses of Parks

Since before the creation of the National Park Service, the US military has been involved in the stewardship and use of parks.

A CONTINUING HISTORY TOGETHER

Current Military Use of Parks

Active duty military and veterans continue to use the parks today for ceremonies, training, and more.

ONE UNIFORM FOR ANOTHER

NPS Veterans

Meet military veterans who continue to serve the country as stewards of our nation's national parks.

Visit a Park for Veterans Day

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVED

Places to Visit

Find monuments, memorials, and battlefields across the country that honor the sacrifices and tell the stories of America's military.

HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY

Health Benefits for Veterans

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

Free Entrance Passes

America the Beautiful Passes

Did you know active duty military and veterans can get a free entrance pass to national parks and other public lands?

Find a Veterans Day Event

Set the calendar to November to find in-person or virtual ceremonies, parades, concerts, service projects, and other events happening in national parks in honor of Veterans Day. Find tips to recreate responsibly when visiting a park.

Related Topics

Tribute to Change

Monuments & Memorials

Standing Guard

Forts

Remnants of War

Battlefields