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To show our appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. military, on May 19 -- Armed Forces Day -- the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will begin issuing an annual pass offering free access to all BLM-managed public lands for active duty military members and their dependents.“We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much to protect our country," said Ed Shepard, Oregon/Washington State Director. “This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices."Active duty members of the Armed Forces can pick up their pass at any BLM field office, visitor center, or public contact station. Military members and their dependents must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at Recreation.gov. This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at those locations.For more information on recreation and visitor services please visit BLM's website: blm.gov“BLM public lands are America's backyard and offer the widest range of recreation opportunities of any public land agency. This spectrum of traditional and new outdoor recreation activities contributes to the health and well-being of millions of Americans including members of the military," Shepard said. “We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to these lands will offer an opportunity to unwind, relax, rejuvenate, and just have fun with their families."