In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. military veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their families will be admitted without charge on November 11th to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Forest Service.
This annual Veterans Day fee waiver began in 2006, and applies to entrance fees at sites administered by those agencies. Other fees, such as those for camping or additional services, will still apply.
The purpose of this observance is not to glorify conflict but simply to honor those who served when asked to do so by their nation. National Park Service sites which commemorate and honor the service of American veterans span the nation's history, and are located all across the country. The National Park Service has developed a web page to help plan visits to NPS sites that preserve the military and veteran heritage of our nation.
Special Veterans Day activities will be held on November 11th at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The event will begin at 1 p.m. with speeches, speakers, a color guard and a wreath-laying ceremony. Jan C. Scruggs, Founder and President of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, will serve as master of ceremonies.
"I invite everyone to visit our many national parks that preserve and commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women who have fought in America's wars," said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. "As we approach Veteran's Day, what better way to learn about the hallowed places preserved in the National Park System and to honor the sacrifices of our veterans, than by visiting a national park."
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Comments
Perhaps you can help me sort this one out. Why is it that, in all five of the most recent presidential elections, the candidate with the best (or only)record of military service has lost the election? What does this say about military service as something that conditions or qualifies a person for political leadership in America?
I would venture that it's largely coincidence.
I think McCain had two main things going against him:
1) His age. Like it or not, 72 is not perceived youthful, and with the tasks facing the next administration, that no doubt played a factor in many minds. In fact, I think that's what the exit polling indicated, that his age was a greater factor than Obama's race.
2) Sarah Palin. Again, like it or not, she was perceived by many as a drag on his candidacy. Though perceived by some as fresh and vibrant on the political scene, nationally, she lacked the experience one would seek in a VP. She also got off to a bad start with national interviews (ie Katie Couric) and never seemed to recover. Frankly, I think she also exhibited a nasty streak. Whether that was natural or called for, it didn't endear her outside the far right.
As for John Kerry, well, conspiracy theorists no doubt would say his campaign was Swift-boated. Al Gore lost the election in the courts, which, again, conspiracy theorists would have you believe were jiggered.
As for George Bush senior, "it's the economy, stupid!" And Jimmy Carter, well, best intentions....