Contact: Mark Pfeifle 202-208-6416

Veterans Day 'Weekend of Unity, Hope and Healing' Expands
- Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and
Bureau of Reclamation waive entrance fees -

(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation will join the National Park Service for the national Weekend of Unity, Hope and Healing.

All areas managed by the Interior Department will waive entrance fees on Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 10-12, 2001. Many private, state and local recreation areas have also partnered with the Interior Department and are waiving fees.

"Our nation's public lands are an inspiration to the freedoms all Americans cherish," Secretary Norton said. "Since the Sept. 11 attacks, families have visited natural and historic areas to gain hope and strength as we heal from the assault on America and unify behind our nation's efforts to seek solace and find justice."

"We have many things to be proud of this Veterans Day weekend," Secretary Norton continued. "Families and friends can visit our public areas and remember those who fought and sacrificed for our freedoms, as well as the men and women overseas today fighting for us and the countless unsung heroes - firefighters, medical workers, police officers and others who continue to inspire us all and help our nation recover."

For additional information and details regarding recreation opportunities, please log onto www.recreation.gov.

- DOI -