America 250: Honoring Veterans, Military Families & First Responders
For 250 years, Americans have stepped forward to serve. All year long, we're saying thank you with a free guide to the passes, discounts and programs that can lower your bills, with every claim checked against an official source.
Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor. Photo: William Warby via Wikimedia Commons (opens in a new tab), CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new tab)
Celebrating 250 Years of the United States
On July 4, 2026, the United States marked 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It is the nation's Semiquincentennial, and we're celebrating it all year.
America250 (opens in a new tab) is the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with engaging every American in the celebration. Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to plan the anniversary. The Commission works with its nonprofit partner, America250.org, Inc., on what it calls the largest anniversary observance in the nation's history.
America250 says it wants to inspire service in our communities. Few people answer that call like our veterans, service members, military families, police officers, firefighters and EMS crews. This page is our thank-you to them.
We're an independent guide, not affiliated with or endorsed by America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, or any government agency.
By the ForLowerBills Editorial Team · Reviewed by the ForLowerBills Editorial Team against official sources · Last updated: October 28, 2026 · Sources checked: October 28, 2026 · How we research
To those who served, and to the families who served alongside them: thank you.
Free National Park Passes for Military, Veterans & Gold Star Families
The National Park Service and its partner agencies offer free passes to people who serve and to the families who sacrificed. The passes cover entrance and standard day-use fees at national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests and other federal recreation lands.
Military Lifetime Pass: free
- For veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and for Gold Star Families.
- Veterans can show a DoD ID card, a VA Veteran Health Identification Card, a VA Veteran ID Card, or the veteran designation on a state driver's license or ID.
- Gold Star Families can show a Gold Star Voucher, which is printable from NPS.
Military Annual Pass: free
- For current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents.
- Bring an unexpired Common Access Card (CAC), DD Form 1173 or Next Generation Dependent ID.
In person or online
- Pick it up free at many national parks and federal recreation sites.
- Get a free digital pass on Recreation.gov. A physical card by mail adds a $7.50 shipping fee there, or a $10 processing fee from the USGS Store.
- The pass covers the pass holder plus the people in one private vehicle. It does not cover camping, tours or concessions.
Source: National Park Service (opens in a new tab). Veterans with a permanent disability may also qualify for the free lifetime Access Pass, which can include discounts on some extras such as camping.
Discounts for Veterans, Military & First Responders: Verify Once, Save Often
Most military and first responder discounts online start with a quick status check. Set these up once and you'll be ready whenever a store asks.
VA Veteran ID Card
A free digital photo ID from VA that you can show for veteran discounts at many restaurants, hotels and stores. It's for veterans who served on active duty, in the Reserves or in the National Guard, with an honorable or general discharge. Apply at VA.gov (opens in a new tab).
ID.me
Many retailers use the ID.me button at checkout. It verifies active duty, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, retirees, military spouses and families. It also verifies first responders: law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, plus 911 dispatchers for select offers. Sources: military (opens in a new tab), first responders (opens in a new tab).
GOVX & GOVX ID
A GOVX membership comes with a GOVX ID, which verifies military, first responder, healthcare and government employee status at partner sites. Military spouses and dependents ages 18 to 24 are eligible too. Check eligibility (opens in a new tab).
WeSalute
A military and veteran benefits program (formerly Veterans Advantage) with a free basic membership and a paid WeSalute+ tier. It says first responder benefits are coming soon. See WeSalute (opens in a new tab).
Looking for specific deals? Browse our military discounts guide, our free stuff roundup, and our veterans and military hub.
Discount offers change often and are set by each business. Confirm the current terms with the retailer before you buy. We're not affiliated with ID.me, GOVX or WeSalute.
From sea to shining sea, these lands belong to all of us, and veterans can get in free.
Lifeline: A Monthly Discount on Phone or Internet
Who qualifies: You can qualify if someone in your household gets the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or Federal Public Housing Assistance. You can also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How to apply: Apply through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org (opens in a new tab), by mail, or through a participating provider. You must recertify every year.
Compare low-cost carriers in our cheap phone plans for veterans guide.
Sources: FCC (opens in a new tab), USAC (opens in a new tab).
How Each Group Can Lower Its Bills
Every household that serves has a different budget. Start with the group that fits yours.
Veterans
- Get your free Military Lifetime Pass (opens in a new tab) and a VA Veteran ID Card (opens in a new tab).
- Plan around your VA disability payment dates so bills land after deposits.
- Check Lifeline and our veteran phone plans.
- Thinking of starting a business? See veteran entrepreneurship and our veteran owned business directory.
Active-Duty, Guard & Reserve
- SCRA 6% cap: Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, interest on most debts you took on before active duty, such as credit cards, car loans and student loans, can be capped at 6%. Send your lender a written request with a copy of your orders, no later than 180 days after your service ends. (DOJ (opens in a new tab), CFPB (opens in a new tab))
- Your family can get a free Military Annual Pass for park trips.
- Browse military discounts before big purchases.
Military & Gold Star Families
- Gold Star Families can get the free Military Lifetime Pass with a Gold Star Voucher.
- Military spouses and many family members can verify through ID.me or GOVX for family discounts.
- Military OneSource (opens in a new tab) offers free 24/7 support for service members and families, including help with managing money.
- Find more everyday savings in ways to save.
Law Enforcement
- Verify with ID.me or GOVX ID to unlock law enforcement discounts at participating retailers.
- Shift work makes budgeting hard. Set bills to autopay right after payday, and see our ways to save.
- Officers who are also veterans can use their veteran benefits, too.
Firefighters
- Firefighters, career or volunteer, can verify through ID.me and GOVX for first responder pricing.
- Check our free stuff page for freebies anyone can claim.
- If utility bills pile up, see what to do when you're behind on utility bills.
EMTs, Paramedics & 911 Dispatchers
- ID.me verifies EMTs and paramedics, and 911 dispatchers for select offers. GOVX also verifies EMTs and paramedics.
- Energy help: LIHEAP (opens in a new tab) helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs.
- Need help with a utility bill now? See behind on utility bills.
America the Beautiful: Landmarks Worth the Trip
With a free Military Pass, a road trip to see the country you served can cost less.
Give Back & Get Support
Support veteran causes
Looking for a way to celebrate America 250 with service? See our guide to veterans charities. You can also shop with veteran owned businesses.
Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential support 24/7 for veterans, service members and their loved ones. Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. You don't need to be enrolled in VA benefits. VeteransCrisisLine.net (opens in a new tab)
Celebrating 250 years by helping those who serve keep more of what they earn.
America 250 FAQ for Veterans, Military & First Responders
What is America 250?
America 250 is the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, also called the U.S. Semiquincentennial. America250 is the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with engaging every American in the celebration. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016.
When is the U.S. Semiquincentennial?
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was July 4, 2026. America250 describes it as a multi-year effort, and we're celebrating all year long.
Can veterans get into national parks for free?
Yes. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, can get a free Military Lifetime Pass. It covers entrance and standard day-use fees at national parks and other federal recreation lands. Bring an accepted ID, such as a VA Veteran Health Identification Card, a Veteran ID Card, or a veteran designation on your state driver's license.
Do Gold Star Families and active-duty families get free park passes?
Yes. Gold Star Families can get the free Military Lifetime Pass by presenting a Gold Star Voucher. Current service members and their dependents can get a free Military Annual Pass. The passes are free in person and as digital passes on Recreation.gov. A mailed physical pass carries a shipping or processing fee.
How do I verify my military or first responder status for discounts?
Many retailers use ID.me or GOVX ID to confirm status online, so you don't have to email documents to each store. ID.me verifies military members, veterans, military families, and first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, plus 911 dispatchers for select offers. Veterans can also apply for a free digital Veteran ID Card from VA.
Can veterans get help with their phone or internet bill?
Possibly. Lifeline gives a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands, for eligible households. You can qualify through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, through programs like SNAP or Medicaid, or with household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Is ForLowerBills.com part of America250 or the government?
No. We're an independent, free bill-savings guide. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the VA, or any government agency. Always confirm benefits with the official source.
More ForLowerBills.com Guides for Those Who Serve
- Veterans & military savings hub
- Military discounts
- Cheap phone plans for veterans
- VA disability payment dates
- Veteran owned businesses
- Veteran entrepreneurship
- Veterans charities
- Behind on utility bills?
- Free stuff
- Ways to save
Sources
- America250, About America250 (opens in a new tab)
- National Park Service, Free Entrance for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families (opens in a new tab)
- FCC, Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications (opens in a new tab)
- USAC Lifeline, How to Qualify (opens in a new tab)
- VA, How to apply for a Veteran ID Card (opens in a new tab)
- ID.me Help Center, Who qualifies for ID.me military discounts (opens in a new tab)
- ID.me Help Center, Who qualifies for ID.me first responder discounts (opens in a new tab)
- GOVX, Who is eligible (opens in a new tab)
- GOVX, GOVX ID (opens in a new tab)
- WeSalute, home page (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Department of Justice, 6% SCRA interest rate cap on pre-service debts (opens in a new tab)
- CFPB, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) (opens in a new tab)
- HHS Administration for Children and Families, LIHEAP (opens in a new tab)
- Veterans Crisis Line (opens in a new tab)
- Military OneSource (opens in a new tab)
Facts checked October 28, 2026. Benefits and offers can change, so confirm with the official source before you rely on them. Photos are public domain or Creative Commons licensed and credited in each caption. No official logos or seals are used. Questions or corrections? Email hello@forlowerbills.com.