BOSTON — In honor of Veteran's Day, the Baker-Polito Administration will once again waive parking fees at all Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) state parks throughout the state on Thursday, November 11, 2021. 

 

Additionally, interpretive programming will also be offered at state parks during the upcoming holiday weekend. Furthermore, visitors are encouraged to participate in self-guided walks and hikes within the state parks system, where there are numerous veterans memorials, military forts, and other notable sites. The fee waiver falls in line with a National Park Service initiative that also provides free admission at federal parks nationwide on Veterans Day.  

 

"There are no words or actions that can begin to express the tremendous gratitude we have for those who have or are currently serving in the military, however, we hope that those who have served can take advantage of this opportunity to visit one of our state parks and enjoy the natural beauty of our open spaces throughout the Commonwealth," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Katherine Theoharides. “The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to continue offering free parking in honor of Veterans Day, and hope residents will take time to reflect on the heroism of our men and women in uniform, who have displayed tremendous selflessness and sacrifice in service to our country and the protection of its natural splendor." 

 

The Commonwealth has a military history, and DCR stewards with many notable sites that serve as relics of important moments in time, including Fort Independence at Castle Island, which was used to fortify the area’s coast; Fort Warren at Georges Island, which guarded major shipping channels in Boston Harbor during the Civil War; Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower located at the summit of Mount Greylock, which is one of the 100 World War I Centennial Memorials in the nation, and hundreds of roadways, trails, markers, pools, skating rinks, and parks named after noteworthy Massachusetts veterans or military campaigns involving Massachusetts veterans.  

 

"We are grateful to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for waiving these parking fees, which will give veterans and their families an incentive to take advantage of the solace and healing offered through the Commonwealth’s state parks," said Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Cheryl Lussier Poppe. "Today's announcement is one of the many ways we can do our part and thank our veterans who are serving or who have served."