Visit a national park for free on Veterans’ Day

November 7, 8:30 AMNational Parks Recreation ExaminerRandi Minetor

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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial   Photo by Nic Minetor

As a gesture of honor to all of America’s veterans, all of the country’s national park sites are waiving admission fees on Veterans’ Day, Wednesday, November 11. You, your family, and any number of your closest friends can all visit any of the 392 sites in the National Park Service system at no charge.

Since 2006, the National Park Service has waived entrance fees for veterans and their families each year on November 11.  This year, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar expanded the fee free day to include all visitors to the national parks.  “We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harm's way,” Salazar said.

The fee free day extends beyond the National Park Service to include wildlife refuges, national forests and other properties managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Reclamation.  This is a great day to get out into the wild for some hiking, birding, mountain biking, paddling, or any of your favorite outdoor activities—or to visit one of the many national battlefields, war memorials or historic sites that tell stories of the men and women who serve our country. For a complete list of these, visit the National Park Service’s special website for its battlefields and military parks.

Many of these parks hold commemorations or special events on Veterans’ Day.  Here are some of the ceremonies and other events you can attend:

World War II Memorial, Washington, DC – 8 a.m. color guard from the Military District of Washington, special speakers, wreath-laying, and taps.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC – 1 p.m. annual Veterans Day Observance at the Wall.  In addition, this year marks the 12^th anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. An event titled Vietnam: In Their Own Words will provide storytelling throughout the day, 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A new storyteller will be featured every 10-15 minutes near the Vietnam Women's Memorial, located at 23^rd Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania – 10:30 a.m. wreath laying at the National Memorial Arch with the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the Korea DMZ Veterans Association.  

General Grant National Memorial, New York – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. living history displays and demonstrations of the evolution of the American Army during the 19th century.

Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland — 11 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony in the Sharpsburg Town Square.

Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC — 11 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a memorial service. It is customary for the President of the United States or a representative to lay the wreath. A military band will provide music. Also at Arlington, at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial, veterans will lay a wreath at 3:30 p.m. at the memorial during a ceremony with formal military honors, keynote address and veteran's remarks.