In recognition of current and former service members and families, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at all of America’s 400 national parks on Veterans Day, November 11.

“From everyone in the National Park Service, I extend gratitude to all who have served in the U.S. armed forces and defended the people, freedoms, and resources of this country,” said NPS Director Jon Jarvis. “In honor of veterans, entry to the national parks, which preserve many of our nation’s finest natural and cultural resources, will be free on Veterans Day, November 11. I invite everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and savor places that our veterans have kept safe for us.”

The national parks hold something for everyone — hardcore hikers and campers and people who like to explore history, take a leisurely nature walk, or simply pack a picnic lunch and get away from it all. In the parks, visitors of all abilities and interests can enjoy a holiday, often without making more than a short trip from one of the population centers many of us call home.

Veterans Day is the last of 2010’s fee-free days in the national parks. To discover other activities available in national parks, please consult the National Park Service’s Events Calendar for 2010 or visit www.nps.gov.

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