A proposal from two Maine lawmakers may allow Gold Star Families (families of people who died during military service) free access to national parks.
According to an article published by MilitaryTimes.com, “Democratic Rep. Jared Golden and independent Sen. Angus King said their proposal would honor Gold Star Families with free entrance to the National Park Service’s locations and other federally managed public lands. Golden, a Marine veteran, said the proposal is common sense because “families of fallen service members should have free access to our country’s most treasured places.” King called it “simply the right thing to do.”
The proposal has been met with widespread support from various veterans groups and advocacy organizations. David MacDonald, president of Friends of Acadia – an organization that advocates for Acadia National Park – was quoted as saying, “We applaud this effort to increase access to the restorative powers of nature, and the touchstones of our shared cultural heritage for Gold Star Family Members who have endured the hardships and heartaches associated with the sacrifices made by their loved ones to defend this country,”.