Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host special activities this weekend in honor of Veteran's Day.As a tribute to those who served in the military, area parks are offering special activities and discounts in honor of Veteran's Day this weekend.
n Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend special activities on Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 9-11. Veterans Day will be celebrated as a fee-free weekend for all park visitors in honor of U.S. veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes Point Park on Lookout Mountain. The fee-free period begins Saturday, Nov. 9, and continues through Monday, Nov. 11.
On Saturday and Sunday, living historians will represent a historical military timeline associated with the battlefield. Did you know that hundreds of Cherokee Indians travelled up the LaFayette Road during Indian Removal, or that U.S. volunteers trained for the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II on Chickamauga Battlefield? Join a park ranger as he leads visitors back in time. These 45 minute programs will take place behind the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Also, a park ranger will present a 90-minute interpretive program, "A Walk Down Memory Lane - Units on the Battleline," visiting some of the monuments along Battleline Road and learning about some of the soldier's accounts and stories associated with the Battle of Chickamauga. The program begins at 2 p.m. at Tour Stop 2. It is recommended that you wear comfortable, supportive footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/chch.
n Tennessee State Parks is also hosting its annual free state parks day for all Tennessee veterans offering one free night of camping and/or a complimentary round of golf with appropriate identification on Monday, Nov. 11.
"On Veterans Day we honor the many brave men and women who have served our country," Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said. "The state parks family invites all of Tennessee's veterans to visit us on Nov. 11 and enjoy a day in one of our beautiful parks."
The free day on Nov. 11 is in addition to Tennessee State Parks' current veterans' policy, which includes a camping discount within the state parks system and is available annually beginning November 1 through March 31, offering a 25 percent reduction off the standard nightly base rates (depending on the type of site chosen). This camping discount is available to Tennessee residents showing proof of prior military duty.
A special state park discount also is in place for active duty military personnel and members of the Tennessee National Guard. This year-round discount is given to all U.S. military - regardless of their branch of service or where they are stationed. Disabled veterans also are eligible for the Tennessee State Parks year-round ADA discount that provides a 25 to 50 percent discount for campsites.
To receive the free state parks day benefits and extended discounts, veterans need to provide proof of residency with a Tennessee driver's license; and proof of veteran's status, with a Certificate of Discharge (DD214) or Veterans Administration benefit card.