“We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much to protect our country,” said Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer. “We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to this or any national park will offer an opportunity to unwind, relax, rejuvenate, and just have fun with their families.”

Active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can pick up their pass at the park at the entrance kiosk between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning on Saturday, May 19, 2012. They must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.

This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at these locations.

“Through the years, military members, especially those far from home in times of conflict, have found inspiration in America’s patriotic icons and majestic landscapes, places like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon that are cared for by the National Park Service and symbolize the nation that their sacrifices protect,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices.”

National parks and the military have strong ties going back to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. The U.S. Cavalry watched over America’s national parks and did double duty, serving as the first park rangers until the National Park Service was created 44 years later. During World War II, many parks were set aside for the training and care of military personnel. Today, dozens of national parks commemorate military battles and achievements.

FIESTA DAYS & CARNIVAL
On June 2, the Aztec Chamber of Commerce will play host to countless visitors at Minium Park, who will enjoy Aztec Fiesta Days (June 2) and Bennett’s Amusements Carnival (May 31-June 3). The themed Cruisin’ Into Summertime event will feature the Seventh Annual Hot Spot Car Show, live entertainment, vendors, and the annual burning of our troubles away in Old Man Gloom at dusk. Don’t miss the 10 a.m. parade that will include the popular Kids & Pet Costume Contest on Main Avenue in historic downtown Aztec! For more information and parade entry forms visit www.aztecchamber.com.

TRAIL OF THE ANCIENTS GEOTOURISM CELEBRATION
Aztec Ruins National Monument is the launch site for the National Geographic and Four Corners Region Trail of the Ancients Geotourism Website and Mapguide. On June 2, local community leaders, regional and state tourism managers, and geotourism nominees will gather to launch the Four Corners Geotourism Website and MapGuide with National Geographic. Both Mesa Verde National Park and Mesa Verde Museum Association representatives will be on hand to help launch this exciting project. Involving many partners – national parks, forests, and lands to tribal nations and regional communities, cultural and heritage institutions, state tourism and economic development agencies – this landmark project has taken two years to plan and execute. The efforts and products resulting from this endeavor represent a historically significant asset for everyone who lives in or visits the Four Corners Region.

From Acoma Pueblo to Zapata Ranch to Twin Rocks Café, locals sent in more than 800 nominations of their favorite points of interest; historic, cultural and natural landmarks; events; artisans; and attractions, which capture the region’s unique character and beauty. The MapGuide is being sold in various outlets throughout the region, including the Aztec Visitors Center, as well as MVMA stores throughout Mesa Verde National Park and at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. The website may be viewed at www.FourCornersGeotourism.com.

“The Four Corners Geotourism MapGuide and website showcase what makes the Four Corners Region so culturally and geographically significant,” said James Dion, Sustainable Tourism Program Manager for National Geographic Maps. “More than ever, this project underscores the importance of conserving the region’s tremendous scenic, historic, and cultural assets for future generations.

A Geotourism Fair will occur from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with cultural performances, and tours of Aztec Ruins National Monument, a World Heritage Site. A formal program will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Great Kiva.

“This is a significant achievement for the Four Corners region,” says Aztec Mayor Sally Burbridge. “These National Geographic initiatives were the result of hundreds of thousands of dollars – and countless hours – that were invested into spotlighting the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Four Corners. The City of Aztec is proud to be part of this initiative, and we are honored that Aztec Ruins has been chosen to announce it to the world.”

FREE ANIMAS RIVER RAFTING
Furthering the geotourism theme, Aztec Trails & Open Space (ATOS) is sponsoring free introductory raft trips on the Animas River on June 2. With equipment and certified instructors donated by the San Juan College Outdoor Leadership Program, this is an ideal opportunity for anyone who would like to see the beauty of Aztec and the Animas River corridor from a different perspective. Details about the event are being worked out, so stay tuned for announcements about where to park and ride, age restrictions, and more.

OFFER A HELPING HAND
ATOS will also mark and commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Days with a massive trail clearing event. Volunteers are asked to meet at Martinez Lane across the field from Physical Therapy of Northern NM along the Aztec Ruins Trail route. Volunteers should wear long-sleeved shirts and sunscreen, and bring work gloves and hand tools. Cleanup is scheduled from 7– 11 a.m. and will focus on a new recreational trail that will connect to a planned Animas River pedestrian bridge to Aztec Ruins. The proposed bridge, selected by President Barack Obama as one of only 100 America’s Great Outdoors Initiative projects in America to meet vital infrastructure needs for the nation’s communities, is a distinctive collaborative project involving the City of Aztec, Aztec Ruins and ATOS.

FREE PARKING & FREE RED APPLE SHUTTLES
To meet an expected high influx of travelers and visitors – and the fact that there is no public parking at Aztec Ruins on June 2 – the City and Aztec Ruins are coordinating free Red Apple Transit shuttle services from centralized parking locations to the event destinations. Free parking for the entire day is available at the San Juan County Government Complex, the Masonic Lodge and Westside Plaza in Aztec. Red Apple will service patrons from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will transport riders to two other drop-off points: Aztec Ruins and Aztec Motor Vehicle Department by Minium Park. Aztec Interpretive Park Rangers will be riding the shuttles and sharing stories of interest with the riders. What a great opportunity to go green, save money and energy, enjoy the company of neighbors and friends, and let someone else do the driving!

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
You may be aware of the road improvements taking place on Aztec Boulevard (NM 516). This is a short-term NM Department of Transportation project that is expected to continue through mid-June. At the time of this writing, it is not known if NMDOT will be working on Aztec Boulevard on June 2, but even if it is, visitors and residents can park and ride free on the Red Apple Transit. (See the paragraph above.)

Need more information? Go online to www.aztecchamber.com or www.aztecnm.com and click the yellow National Geographic button. See you Saturday, June 2!