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If you know anything at all about how veterans and the families of those who gave their lives in service to America are treated when the fighting and serving are done, then you know they don’t get nearly enough.
Not enough thanks, not enough healthcare, not enough financial support, you name it.
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And though it may seem like a small thing to let them into the country’s national parks for free, I mean…at least it’s something.
Recently the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that U.S. military veterans and gold star families will have free access to all national parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands for as long as they live.
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Secretary of the Interior, David L. Bernhardt, issued a statement.
“With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting Veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter.”
The passes known as America the Beautiful grant access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites and 400 million acres of public lands, including Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Arches, and Mount Rushmore. They normally run you $80 a year.
To nab complimentary access, all veterans have to do is provide identification showing they were in the armed forces, the U.S. National Guard, or the Reserves.
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Gold star families, who have lost a family member while they were serving in a war or military operation outside the U.S. or in an international terrorist attack.
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to nourish our minds and bodies, so as long as everyone is following guidelines as far as social distancing, there’s no reason veterans and their families shouldn’t get out and enjoy.
