Joshua Tree National Park celebrates Veterans Day with free fee

Joshua Tree National Park is honoring Veterans Day by providing free entry to all park visitors.

Several National Parks are offering free entrance on 6 special days in 2024, including Veterans Day, according to the National Park Service.

News Channel 3 spoke with visitors who enjoyed this opportunity to celebrate the holiday in the park.

Michelle Freeman said she's visiting from Chicago.

“It was a nice surprise because even we were let it in free in honor of the veterans," Freeman said. "They just said to make sure you thank a veteran today, which was a great surprise for us, it's awesome. “

Andre McKinnon said his father is a veteran.

“Veterans keep doing what you're doing," McKinnon said. "You're doing a good job. We're safe here in this country. I’m proud of y’all.”

During World War II, Joshua Tree’s rugged desert landscape served as a training ground for soldiers getting ready for missions overseas according to the parks social media.

Stay with News Channel 3 to learn more about the celebration.