This Veterans’ Day, many schools and the federal government are closed. The US National Park Service is waiving entrance for everyone to commemorate the service of U.S. Armed Forces veterans.

“From frontier forts to battlefields and memorials, there are almost 100 national park sites with direct connections to the military,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “We are committed to telling the story of our veterans. We must never forget their valor and their service to our country.”

Many parks will also hold special events. Hear the story of America’s first top guns at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama.  Visit the historic Nike Hercules Missile base – a remnant of the Cold War – in Everglades National Park. Witness an enlistment during a commemoration at Valley Forge. Tour Mammoth Cave and learn about its role in the War of 1812.

Find more information about these and other events at www.nps.gov/findapark/military-honor.htm.

If you live near a park and are thinking of something to do while the kids are off, consider taking a trek to your nearest one.

FIND A park near you HERE! 

photo: Atop Indian Head, National Park Service