NATIONAL PARKS FREE ON VETERANS DAY

Park Ranger and U.S. Army veteran Jason Zimmer shares the wonder of `ohelo berries with visitors

Wondering what to do this Veterans Day holiday, Wednesday, November 11, 2009?

One idea is to come and enjoy America's Best Idea - visit a national park such as Hawai`i Volcanoes, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau, Kaloko-Honokohau, and Pu`ukohola Heiau.

To honor America's service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees on Veterans Day.

"Visitors to national parks are invited to take a day to honor and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world," Salazar said.

"The Department of the Interior is honored to offer this fee free day to thank our nation's service men and women," said Salazar. "The sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women of our armed forces can never be understated. We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harms way."

(see the full press release: National Parks Free on Veterans Day)