Veterans' national park pass now includes Gold Star families

A lifetime pass to the more than 2,000 national parks and other federal recreation centers has been part of veteran benefits for some time. But it was not until this past Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022, that this was extended to include Gold Star Families, GSF. The phrase “Gold Star Family” is from World War I (1914 to 1918). Military families displayed service flags with a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces. The star’s color was changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war.

Hal Reed, a Desert Storm Army veteran and Post Commander at the Grimes County VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 4006 in Navasota, said that Congress had been petitioned for about 5 years to include GSF. He said, "These families have sacrificed something that a lot of people don't and because of that ultimate sacrifice they should be honored in a way that gives a little bit back to the family.” Reed added, “It doesn't make them whole but at least... they get something... and know the country is thinking about them and hasn't forgotten."

The passes are administered by the National Park Service, nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm. Reed says GSF should go to that site for eligibility information and to print the form(s). With their documentation in hand, they can get their lifetime pass at any national park. Park passes cannot be obtained from the VFW nor from other veterans organizations. However, Reed said that the VFW can answer questions and guide people through the process. He said he would welcome contact from GSF because while he knows the number of Grimes County veterans is about 2,300 and climbing, he doesn't have GSF information. "I have no metrics but would like to get those metrics if it's possible", said Reed.

For anyone interested in the various passes available at state parks, go to Texas Parks & Wildlife, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks.