Good news for military families looking to visit our country's national parks this summer - or anytime. A new program that starts Saturday lets troops obtain a free “America the Beautiful” pass (an $80 value) just by showing their military ID card, according to a news release by the U.S. Department of the Interior. That pass gives service members and their families free access to more than 2,000 national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
The start of the program is timed to coincide with Armed Forces Day, which is May 19th.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the program today at Colonial National Historic Park in Virginia, where he said:
“Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our service men and -women who make great sacrifices and put their lives on the lines to protect our country and preserve our freedom. In recognition of their contributions and service, we are putting out a welcome mat for these brave men and women and their families at America’s most beautiful and storied sites.”
For more information on the "America the Beautiful" pass, and where you can pick one up, click here.
