In honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is the final “entrance free” day in 2018 to all National Parks–“America’s best idea.”
The fee-free day provides a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. This is your chance to select one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. (Click here for all participating parks and monuments).
Other fees (including reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties) are not included unless stated otherwise.
One park to put on your list is the emotionally moving Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi.
The park commemorates the 47-day campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War. “The city’s surrender on July 4, 1863–along with the capture of Port Hudson in Louisiana on July 8– split the South, giving control of the Mississippi River to the Union.”
Also on view is the USS Cairo, a restored Union ironclad gunboat. It is part of this impressive National Military Park. One of seven Union gunboats, the USS Cairo carried 13 powerful cannons.
Vicksburg National Cemetery encompasses almost 118 acres and includes more than 18,000 interments. Graves of Civil War soldiers total 17,077, of which 12,909 are unknown. An additional 1,280 graves are occupied by soldiers who participated in the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean Conflict.
It is impossible to walk these hallowed grounds without being stirred.
We honor all Veterans for their service…and their families for their support and sacrifice.
