Each May, on the third Saturday of the month, our nation pauses for Armed Forces Day—a day dedicated to honoring the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military. Unlike Veterans Day or Memorial Day, which reflect on past service or sacrifice, Armed Forces Day is a living tribute—a chance to say thank you to those currently serving and to show our appreciation for their ongoing dedication.
Nature as a Tribute
One of the most powerful ways we can honor our service members is by reflecting on what they help protect: the very land we call home. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the silent sands of the Sonoran Desert, our national parks and public lands are living legacies—symbols of freedom, perseverance, and natural beauty. Many members of the armed forces have trained, hiked, and healed in these spaces. And many more find solace in the outdoors when they return home.
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or simply someone who wants to show gratitude, America’s public lands offer a place to connect, reflect, and give thanks.
Ways to Honor Service Through Our National Parks
1. Visit a Park with a Veteran or Service Member
Many parks hold special events, ceremonies, or free entry days around Armed Forces Day. If you know someone currently serving or who has served, invite them for a peaceful hike, a scenic drive, or even a shared sunrise over a canyon rim. These moments are simple but powerful.
Pro Tip: Active-duty military and their families are eligible for the free Military Annual Pass, granting access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Starting in 2022, veterans and Gold Star Families now qualify for lifetime free access. Bring proof of service and ask at any entrance station.
2. Participate in a Moment of Reflection or Volunteer
Take a few minutes at a quiet overlook or trail junction to reflect on those serving far from home. Better yet, volunteer for a service project in a national park—many parks partner with organizations to host trail work, cleanups, or education days that coincide with Armed Forces Day weekend.
3. Share Stories of Service and Wilderness
Blog about it. Talk about it. Share it on social media. Service members have powerful stories of connection with public lands. Maybe it’s where they hiked on leave. Or where they proposed after returning home. Maybe it’s where they found peace. Help amplify these stories to remind others how deeply intertwined our natural heritage and national service really are.
Suggested Parks with Military History to Explore
Want to explore a deeper connection between our armed forces and our landscapes? Check out these parks steeped in military history:
- Fort Point National Historic Site (California) – A Civil War-era fort tucked under the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi) – Honoring those who fought in the Civil War’s pivotal campaign.
- Flight 93 National Memorial (Pennsylvania) – A solemn, moving place of heroism and sacrifice.
- Boston National Historical Park (Massachusetts) – Walk the Freedom Trail and stand where early patriots defended liberty.
- Big Bend National Park (Texas) – Home to the U.S. Border Patrol’s historic presence and breathtaking landscapes perfect for reflection.
Because Service Deserves Stillness
On Armed Forces Day, we encourage everyone to spend a little time outside—not just to enjoy the beauty, but to remember who helps make this freedom possible. In a time when division can feel common, our parks remain unifying places—wild, vast, and deeply American.
Whether you’re sharing a sunrise at Shenandoah, listening to the wind across the Great Plains, or watching the surf roll in at Cabrillo National Monument, let this be a moment of gratitude, reflection, and appreciation.
To all who serve, we see you. We thank you. And we walk these trails with your sacrifice in our hearts.
