Washington, DC – With families across New York set to honor America’s veterans and United States Armed Forces this Memorial Day Weekend, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced today that a coalition of more than 130 museums, historic sites and cultural institutions from across New York will provide free admission throughout the holiday weekend for all United States Armed Forces active duty members and veterans in a special tribute to the men and women who have so bravely defended our country.
New York is home to more than 1 million veterans and more than 60,000 active service members, reservists and National Guard members who will be eligible to participate in this first ever free cultural weekend.
“As we celebrate Memorial Day this year, it is important to pause, reflect and give thanks to all the men and women who have risked their lives to protect and defend our freedom,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I think of no better way to give special thanks to them and their families than opening New York’s great cultural institutions, free of charge to our courageous men and women. I thank all of the participating museums for their generosity, and for joining me in extending heartfelt thanks to our active duty service members and veterans this Memorial Day. New York is home to the most impressive and engaging museums, historical sites and cultural institutions in the world and we look forward to welcoming veterans and active duty service members this coming holiday weekend.”
New York Museums Salute Memorial Day: A Weekend of Appreciation, an effort conceived by Senator Gillibrand, Alliance for the Arts and the Museums Association of New York, will provide free admission to all active duty service members and veterans at the more than 130 participating institutions throughout Memorial Day Weekend.
Some institutions operate on an abridged schedule over the holiday, and visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s schedule in advance. Any one of the following accepted forms of identification must be presented along with photo ID to gain free admission:
- Discharge papers (e.g. Certificate of Service, Separation Papers (aka DD-214 or DD-215)
- Active military ID card
- Reservist military ID card
- Retiree military ID card (these retiree ID cards are also given to certain spouses and children
- Formal letter on VA letterhead confirming service and veteran status (e.g. VA Statement of Service or VA Benefits Award Letter for service connected disability, pension or DIC, etc.)
- Veterans Identification Card (VIC)
- TRICARE insurance card
- Dog tags
- Government-issued photo identifications that indicate military service
The full list of participating institutions is available here.