Veterans and Gold Star Families will receive free access to national parks, more

In case you missed the earlier announcement, starting on Veteran’s Day this year (11/11/20) and everyday onward, Veterans and Gold Star Families will receive free access to national parks, wildlife refuges and other Federal lands managed by U.S. Dept. of Interior. This includes 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands.

Connecticut has two locations on the national register, the Weir Farm National Historic Site and the Appalachian Trail.

A Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and is able to present one of the following forms of identification:

• Department of Defense Identification Card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Veteran ID Card
• Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the U.S. while serving with the U.S. Armed Forces.

Existing Waivers

There is also a free annual pass for active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Other free or discounted passes are available for:

• persons with permanent disabilities
• fourth grade students
• volunteers
• senior citizens age 62 years or older

Free entrance days for everyone throughout the year on the birthday of MLK Jr., National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day, and the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act.

The official release from USDVA is here: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/80547/veterans-gold-star-families-get-free-entrance-national-parks-refuges-public-lands/