Celebrating Independence Day, Commemorating Veterans

Millions of Americans got on the road this past holiday weekend to commemorate our country’s 245th birthday. Many of us gathered with family and friends for the first time in months with cookouts and picnics at parks and campsites in the great outdoors. Those of us at ConservAmerica were pleased to celebrate our nation’s independence while reflecting on the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our nation safe and free.

Our national parks have witnessed a surge in visitors recently, which was no doubt the case this past weekend, and that trend will not diminish anytime soon. The National Park Service expects 2021 to be one of the busiest years on record. And this renewed interest in our public parks and lands is nationwide. Arches National Park in Utah has seen a significant spike in visitors, up 70% from previous years. Mount Rainier National Park in Washington also reported long lines and congestion over the past few weeks. Visitors have flocked to Acadia National Park in Maine, which has seen a steep uptick in hikers and campers. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming experienced its busiest May in recent history.

We are fortunate to live in a nation blessed with an incredible wealth of beautiful and diverse landscapes, and nothing is more American than celebrating in one of these treasured parks.

In the words of President Ronald Reagan, we believe it is “our great moral responsibility” to protect this shared land so future generations may be able to enjoy it. That is why we are stalwart supporters of safeguarding our national parks and public lands and have supported legislation, like the Great American Outdoors Act, to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and to address the nearly $20 billion maintenance backlog at our national parks and other federal lands.

Last week, we were especially honored to be asked to be one of the leading organizations supporting legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) that would provide servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star Families free lifetime access to national parks and public federal lands.

No one is more deserving of having the opportunity to enjoy these lands than those who have donned the uniform, and the Veterans in Parks Act would ensure they can do so for the rest of their lives. Servicemembers and veterans took oaths to protect our land against enemies, so it only makes sense that they have the opportunity - free of any charge - to enjoy lands they vowed to defend. Their families, especially Gold Star families, have given so much to this nation. Providing lifetime access is just the right thing to do and ConservAmerica was pleased to lend our voice in support.

As the holiday weekend comes to a close, we reflect on those who have given service to this country. One small way we can give back is to continue to push for the Veterans in Parks Act. We hope the interest in our national parks continues, and we hope to see more veterans and their families there.