Active duty service members and their families now are able to enjoy the beauty of our more than 2,000 national parks and public lands for free, thanks to a program through the Joining Forces Initiative. The national parks program was announced today by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden during a ceremony at Colonial National Historic Park in Yorktown, Va.
The national parks program will be open to active duty service members representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and activated National Guard and Reserves. Park admission will be free to active duty service members and their families beginning May 19, Armed Forces Day.
“First Lady Michelle Obama and I started the Joining Forces initiative last year as a way to honor, recognize and support our veterans and military families,” Biden said. “This effort is a wonderful way to give something back, giving our military men and women and their families a chance to reconnect with their loved ones, experience the beauty of this country and simply have a little fun.”
For free admission, military members and their dependents can pick up a pass at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an admission fee. Members must show a valid military identification card. Click here for a list of participating sites.