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National Park Service offers lifetime pass to veterans and Gold Star Families

WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is offering Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans the opportunity to get a free lifetime military pass.

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NPS announced the new pass would be made available in partnership with Operation Live Well as a way to thank military personnel and their families for their service.

NPS military passes offer free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks and forests.

The free military lifetime pass will be eligible to all veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and can provide proof of service in the form of an unexpired Department of Defense identification card, veteran health identification card, veteran ID card, or veteran designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card.

The free military lifetime pass is also available for Gold Star Families, which are next-of-kin to a member of the Armed Forces who lost their life in war, terrorist attack or military operation while serving with the Armed Forces. Gold Star Family members can download and print a voucher to present to park staff to get a pass.

For current U.S. military members and their dependents, NPS offers a free annual military pass.

The military pass program does not cover extra amenity fees, such as camping, tours or special recreation permits.