Pearl Harbor survivor Hal Mayo, a US Navy veteran (seated), shakes hands with Ranger Gray Bias, a US Army veteran, during a Warrior Hike event at Yosemite National Park this June. (NPS Photo)

Veterans Day is observed on November 11 to  focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The U.S. National Parks are marking Veterans Day as a Free Fee Day. There are three U. S. National Parks in our area and visits are encouraged at: Fort Caroline National Memorial, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Castillo De San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine.

Make a deliberate pause on Tuesday, Nov. 11 to thank our veterans.