Thanking America's armed forces

To show appreciation to those who serve in the U.S. military, on May 19 -- Armed Forces Day -- the National Park Service will begin issuing an annual pass, offering free entrance to all 397 national parks for active-duty military members and their dependents.

"We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much to protect our country," Fort Scott National Historic Site Park Superintendent Betty Boyko said in a news release. "We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to this or any national park will offer an opportunity to unwind, relax, rejuvenate and just have fun with their families."

Visit www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm for more information about the military pass. The pass is available at any national park that charges an entrance fee. Since Fort Scott National Historic Site does not charge an entrance fee, the closest park to pick up a pass is Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Mo. For a list of national parks with entrance fees visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm

This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at these locations.

"Through the years, military members, especially those far from home in times of conflict, have found inspiration in America's patriotic icons and majestic landscapes, places like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon that are cared for by the National Park Service and symbolize the nation that their sacrifices protect," National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said in the release. "This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices."

National parks and the military have strong ties going back to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world's first national park in 1872. The U.S. Cavalry watched over America's national parks and did double duty, serving as the first park rangers until the National Park Service was created 44 years later. During World War II, many parks were set aside for the training and care of military personnel. Today, dozens of national parks commemorate military battles and achievements. For more information, visit www.nps.gov.