Freebie Friday: Free National Park Entry for Military Families

A hearty salute goes out to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for offering a long-overdue perk to the brave men and women of our military.

Beginning tomorrow, all active military and their families, will be eligible for free year-long entry passes to the US' federal lands. These include all of the National Parks (including the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon), plus all the areas that charge fees and are controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forestry Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the US Army Corps and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. That's some 2000-plus sites. The pass, called the America the Beautiful Pass, usually sells for $80.

Bryce Canyon National Park

The move comes thanks, in part, to the efforts of our nation's first and second lady, who have been working quite closely with Joining Forces, an organization that supports military family. Speaking of the new freebie, Jill Biden told the Associated Press "Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our servicemen and women....In recognition of their service, we are so pleased to be putting out the welcome mat for our military families at America's most beautiful and storied sites."

Passes will be available at any national park or wildlife refuge, simply by showing their ID. Family members will also have access to the pass, even if their loved one is currently deployed. The passes allow free entry for the holder and up to three adults at those sights that charge on a per person basis. For those parks that have drive-in entrances, the pass will cover all of the passengers in a car.

For more information, click here.