National Military and Veteran Families Month

Hi, everyone – I'm Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland,
and I am proud to be here in honor of National Military and Veteran Families Month.
 
Our military and veteran families have a special place in my heart. 

They sacrifice right alongside our service members.
 
While my dad served in the Marines when I was growing up,
our family moved every couple of years 
– sometimes more. 

My brother, sisters, and I 
had to start at new schools and make new friends each time. 

My mom 
– who served in the Navy before we were born 
– ran a military-style household,
and she put my dad’s service front and center. 
 
During the years that my dad was on active duty in Vietnam she raised four kids without him. 
 
I remember my mom would sit us down at the table to write him letters nearly every night. 

We knew very well that there was a chance he wouldn’t come home. 
 
Now,
every time I meet a military or veteran family 
– I also thank them for their service,
because the support network here at home helps our servicemembers do their jobs effectively. 
 
At Interior,
we know that the outdoors can offer a place of solace and healing for servicemembers,
veterans, and their families. 
 
In fact,
we created a map of sites near military installations and VA facilities,
so that public lands are just a click away to connect to a national park.
 
Visit 
NPS.gov/subjects/military 

to learn more about the map and our Military Pass which helps servicemembers,
including Reserve and National Guard members,
veterans,
their dependents, and Gold Star family members to access parks for free. 
 
Thank you,
again, to all the military and veteran families who support our servicemembers and selflessly share their loved one in service to our country. 
 
We appreciate you and hold you in our hearts.