By Gary Emmert

In a gesture of enduring appreciation, the National Park Service and partner federal agencies unveiled a new lifetime pass for U.S. Veterans and Gold Star Families on Veterans Day 2022, opening the gates to more than 2,000 public recreation sites across the country—free of charge.

The Interagency Military Lifetime Pass offers complimentary access to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other federally managed lands—spanning over 400 million acres from coast to coast. Whether it’s fly fishing in a hidden brook, hiking through alpine meadows, or stargazing under desert skies, Veterans and their families now have lifetime access to the American landscapes they helped protect.

“This pass honors the sacrifice and service of those who’ve worn the uniform and their loved ones,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “It’s about ensuring they feel welcome and valued as they explore the country they served.”

Backed by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022, the expansion builds upon previous efforts that granted annual passes to eligible Veterans. Now, through the Interagency Pass Program, those who qualify receive a lifetime invitation to experience the natural beauty and historic sites stewarded by six federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service.

Eligibility is broad, covering all former members of the U.S. Armed Forces—including the National Guard and Reserve—who present official documentation such as a Veteran Health ID Card or a state-issued ID with a Veterans designation. Gold Star Families, defined as the surviving next of kin of service members who died in qualifying military circumstances, are also eligible.

The reach of the program is as inclusive as it is inspiring. It joins other Interagency pass options such as free annual passes for active-duty military and discounted or lifetime passes for seniors, fourth graders, and people with permanent disabilities.

Passes can be secured on-site at participating locations or ordered online through the USGS store (a processing fee applies). Visitors are encouraged to check ahead for availability and site-specific regulations.

In addition to this permanent benefit, fee-free days remain in place for all Americans on select holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day itself—days that carry deep symbolic weight and a shared sense of national pride.

For America’s Veterans and Gold Star Families, this pass is more than a card—it’s a symbol of gratitude, an invitation to heal, and a key to the stunning expanses of the nation’s shared heritage.