Dateline: 10/07/01

In an effort to inspire unity, hope and healing, admission fees to all U.S. national park facilities will be waived over the Veterans Day weekend, November 10, 11 and 12, 2001, according to the Department of the Interior.

In making the announcement, Interior Secretary Gale Norton stated on October 4 that the department hoped waiving the park access fees would give Americans the opportunity to seek solace and inspiration from the Nation's parks, monuments and memorials. "We all continue to be saddened and horrified by the magnitude of tragedy our nation has undergone, but we cannot give hate-filled terrorists a victory by forcing us to live in fear," said Norton, who made the announcement during a speech in Denver last night. "It's tragedies like these that make healing necessary so we can recover and rebound. What better places to begin that healing process than in our parks, where Americans can draw strength from national icons of freedom and peace from splendors of nature," stated Secretary Norton.

One national memorial took on special significance on the terrible morning of September 11, 2001 was the Federal Hall National Memorial -- located just three blocks from the World Trade Center and where George Washington took the first presidential oath of office - became a refuge to many fleeing the destruction of buildings all around it.

"Federal Hall, though damaged, still stands as a beacon of hope and of American perseverance in adversity," said Norton.

She also commended many members of Congress for their strong interest and support in urging all Americans to look to national parks and other public lands for the comfort and encouragement these special places provide.

"This Veteran's Day weekend, I encourage all Americans to join together with family and friends to honor the victims of our recent tragedies along with the veterans who protect our Nation's freedom and democracy," said Norton. "And I urge everyone to take advantage of this special opportunity to visit our nation's historic, cultural and natural treasures to reconnect with the values that have made this nation great."

The free admission policy will extend through the Veterans Day weekend -- November 10, 11 and 12, 2001 -- and allow free admission to all 385 areas managed by the National Park System including, national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House.

NOTE: Public access to the White House and certain other facilities may not be allowed depending on national security conditions in effect at the time.