Re: National Park Service Offers Free Entrance Passes to All Active Duty United States Military Members and Dependents

National Park Service Offers Free Entrance Passes to All Active Duty United States Military Members and Dependents - news release
Yosemite National Park Participating in Agency Wide Program
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

To show appreciation for those who serve in the United States (U.S) Military, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents. The annual pass will be offered for the first time beginning Saturday, May 19, 2012, which is Armed Forces Day.

“We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much to protect our country,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent, Don Neubacher. “We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to this or any national park will offer an opportunity to unwind, relax, rejuvenate, and just have fun with their families.”

Active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can pick up their pass at any of the five entrance stations to Yosemite National Park. Military members and dependents must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm .

This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at these locations.

“Through the years, military members, especially those far from home in times of conflict, have found inspiration in America’s patriotic icons and majestic landscapes, places like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon that are cared for by the National Park Service and symbolize the nation that their sacrifices protect,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices.”

National parks and the military have strong ties going back to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. The U.S. Cavalry watched over America’s national parks and did double duty, serving as the first park rangers until the National Park Service was created 44 years later. During World War II, many parks were set aside for the training and care of military personnel. Today, dozens of national parks commemorate military battles and achievements.

I have not checked in a number of years, but active duty military personnel on travel orders were permitted free entry to parks for years. Prior to 07-20-1975, foreign citizens were permitted free entry to NPS areas as well.

If the active duty military personnel on travel orders had to go through the park they were let in free but only to travel through, not recreate.