VA News: Free National Park Pass, Find a Memorial Day Ceremony Near You

Find a Memorial Day ceremony near you, 120+ VA National Cemetery events across the country

Memorial Day (this Monday, May 27) honors Americans who died while defending the nation and its values. It’s a day that allows us to remember our fallen heroes who put service before self. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday formerly known as Decoration Day. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

We invite you to honor the fallen this Memorial Day at a VA National Cemetery. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and "thanks" during the events.

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Free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass for Disabled Veterans  Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The Access Pass also admits disabled any passengers in their vehicle, and other discounts such as camping, swimming, board launching, and guided tours. What's your favorite National Park? LEARN MORE Support for Veterans on Health Journeys - Start a Free CaringBridge Site CaringBridge provides free and secure personal websites as dedicated platforms for families and friends to communicate with and support loved ones during their health care journeys. Veterans struggling with injuries, cancer, PTSD, substance abuse, and rehabilitation are using CaringBridge to build a support network. Have you ever used CaringBridge? LEARN MORE T-Mobile provides free data for accessing VA telehealth You may have recently seen a new commercial featuring Veterans using telehealth as a part of a new partnership between T-Mobile and VA. The ad, which highlights Veterans using VA Video Connect without incurring data charges, exemplifies the public-private partnerships VA has developed to increase access to care for Veterans. LEARN MORE Did you know the National Resource Directory has more than 14,000 vetted resources available right now? Featured Resource Category: Benefits

A Memorial Day message from VA Secretary Robert Wilkie "On Monday, May 27, I urge everyone to observe this National Day of Remembrance and honor the sacrifices of those who served principles greater than themselves." WATCH

Thursday morning, May 23 - The TODAY show will focus on military caregivers, with Tom Hanks and Senator Elizabeth Dole, live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Learn more. If you are in the Indianapolis area, please join us for an Open House for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center from 9a.m.-1:30p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2019. 1481 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.  Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?  Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 166 VA Medical Centers across the country? Find your local VA Medical Center Talk with other Veterans who have walked in your shoes on RallyPoint. Like U.S. Army Veteran Michael T. - "Hey brother, I know exactly how you are feeling I’ve been there myself...Proud of you." Contact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.) Not sure where to start with VA? The VA Welcome Kit guides you to the benefits and services you’ve earned. Step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in VA health care, apply for a disability rating, education benefits, memorials, and more.

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