Written by: Brian Pryor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - To honor America's service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

Visitors to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation are invited to take a day to honor and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world, Salazar said.

"The Department of the Interior is honored to offer this fee free day to thank our nation's service men and women," said Salazar, he added "The sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women of our armed forces can never be understated.

We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harms way. "

The Department of Agriculture also is waiving entrance fees at its national forests.