One hundred years ago, the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. A year later on the first Armistice Day, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to the American People which in part said,
“To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”
Thank you, veterans. All photos via iRV2 Forums
Since that first address in 1919, America and other countries have remembered those who have served in the armed forces via Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, and since 1954, Veterans Day. RVers owe the freedom we enjoy today to those that fought to keep America free.
In some ways, we also owe it to Veterans for the rise of the RV industry as it was G.I.s returning from World War II looking for time away with their family that drove the growth of trailers and truck camper manufacturers in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
I am thankful for those that have served this great country and I hope those of you reading this are too. Many of the fifty states that comprise the United States also wish to thank vets and/or disabled vets by offering them special camping rates to state-operated campgrounds.
By clicking here you can view an alphabetical listing of all fifty states to see what discounts, if any, are offered to veterans or the disabled and what the requirements are to receive the discount.
Are you an RVer who served in the armed forces? Please share what branch you served in and where you served. Thank you for your heroism, service, and sacrifice.
RVing in the home of the brave and land of the free, one of the best adventures in RVing!
See also: New RVs Donated To Tents For Troops
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
Colonel Robert (B0b) Penater, Air Force Judge Advocate General. Served 28 years, 14 assignments including Japan, Italy and South Korea, nine states. Wife, daughter and son were happy to follow him.
EVERYONE please contact your representatives and insist that the government greatly increase the amount they give “Service Connected Disabled Veterans”.
These men and women gave their bodies and minds when serving the nation so they are owed enough to have a comfortable life. Don’t just SAY “thank you for your service” thank them with money to help them enjoy life.
Douglas Greenwald, SP5 , Medic, Ft Jackson, SC and Republic of Vietnam, 1969-1972
CW2 Helicopter Pilot, Republic of Korea and Ft Wainwright , AK, 1978 to 1982
Spc4 Laura Boal, 95B military police, Ft Carson, Colorado Springs, CO 1975-1978.
Sgt. Alex Samaniego, USAF, 1984-1994. 461X0 AMMO
Stationed at Lowery AFB, Clark AB, Davis Monthan AFB. Also TDY at Kadena AB, Osan AB, Nellis AFB, McCord AFB. Best 10 years ever.
MSgt David Gustafson United States Air Force Resource Advisor Served 24 years
Persian Gulf Iraq Afghanistan Married to a Proud Air Force Wife that loves her Airman
Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy – Served from 1975 until 2001. Guided Missle Destroyer, USS Cochrane, Instructor – Combat Systems Technical Schools Command, – Joint Intelligence Pacific.
Are these discounts extended to Canadian veterans?
As a fellow Canadian Veteran I think it would be nice if both countries offered to each other.
SSgt Wayne R.Davis USAF 1966-1970 viet nam 1969- 1970 820th Red horse. All vets should receive 50% . Sorry my home state of Mississippi doesn’t offer a discount. Will check into that.I did not know any state did this. We have been r v in g in 49 states & Canadian
317th eng. bat. Hoescht Germany 1961/1964
Hi Wayne, there is a lot of things your state of Mississippi doesn’t do, I have a friend that live in MS and that’s what she says also!
Keith Dombrowski, Sp5 U,S Army. , 67N , Huey crew chief, Viet Nam Vet. 3 years service,
ISG US Amy Infantry, served in France Germany, two tours in Vietnam
State listing is not correct. Alabama offers discounts to retired, disabled, military personnel and veterans.
SSgt Tim Goode: USAF, Far East and Southeast Asia, 1968-1972. The listing only applies to those with disabilities, Vets or otherwise. Alabama offers a Parks For Patriots program which provides free access to Alabama State Parks, but I don’t know if it extended to those not residents of Alabama. If you happen to frequent one of Alabama’s State Parks, show your proof of veteran status (ID or DD214) to see if the pass applies. I hope other states initiate similar programs, as well. I wish you well on Veteran’s Day.
waybeck2018 : CWO4 United States Navy (Retired) 22 yrs active duty, Served on 11 ships, New construction on two ships and decommissioned USS Boston in Charlestown Naval Shipyard.Vietnam Service, 7141 Designator
SFC US Army, Retired. 2 tours in Viet Nam, 3 in Germany, 1 in Korea.
The problem I see with Veteran discounts, you have have residency in your home state….I was born in Seattle and served in U.S. Army 1968-1971…
Why only your home state gives you a discount?…We all served our country, U.S.A….and our Canadian, Australian, New Zealand brothers and sisters etc deserve thanks also…..
Not fair at all!..Somehow I’ve gotten too old to write letters etc. so I just am thankful for the states that recognize our sacrifices…
Hope things change in the future, folks still dying and wounded out there every day….
Two from Washington died this week…for what????
So that everyone will know — Alabama’s Parks For Patriots program provides free admission to ALL U.S. Veterans. Have our proof of service and you will pay no admission. There is no discount for camping, only access.
Alabama State Parks No discounts for disabled patrons. first one on the list…
Ken Kennedy, 30 years RCAF. Retired after winning the Cold War, just before the s hit the fan.
Ontario recently has granted free admission to all provincial parks to any active CF member, and to resident CF veterans . Not much, but better than before
US Army Master Sergeant Retired. Served 23 years from 1968 until 1990. Served a combat tour with the Infantry in Vietnam 1970-1971. Really glad to see so many veterans getting out there and seeing this amazing country. Thank you for serving. And to any Vietnam vets…Welcome Home!!!
Tennessee State Parks are free to enter, not sure how much, if any disabled or vets receive as each park manager sets his or her park rates. As over 65 and Tn resident usually get a nice discount. And by the way, USAF 20 years and 20 days, Medical research lab tech. One overseas, Alaska!
SP5 Served 1967-1972 Army. Germany 8th Admin; Viet Nam 2 Tours 173rd Airborne & 123rd Avn.; Co B 2nd Bat 75th Rangers
1967 – 1971 San Diego ; Portland, Maine ; Norfolk ang USS Amphion AR-13 Shipfitter 3rd Class
Richard J. Epler, Captain, Pilot, Korea, 1953 – 1958.
SSGT. USAF Phan Rang AB, Vietnam
SGM(R) Jim Childers, proudly served in the Army 1984-2016. I’m also 100% total and permanent disabled. I love the quiet and calm while RVing. COE parks are our favorites due to space, privacy, and great locations throughout Texas. God Bless!
SGM Jim, you served many more years than I, and I thank you. However, don’t limit your enjoyment of COE sites to Texas. They have great campgrounds in many states. Alabama has several that are favorites to many. Hope to see you outdoors someday.
SPC Ornelas ODS 1990/1991
SGT Ornelas OIFIII TF228 2004-2006
I knew about the free camping at the state beaches as I am 100% but never even heard about the COE Parks. thank you to all who have preceded me and come after in the service of our country.
Welcome home to all who served and serve here and abroad!!
ADJ 2nd Class Soto / Barbers Pt. HI ’69 – ’73
Bring ’em All Home..!
pow/mia
Go NAVY..!