9/11 Memorial Museum Grants Free Entry to All Veterans Ahead of 25th Anniversary
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 22
9/11 Memorial Museum Grants Free Entry to All Veterans Ahead of 25th Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 22
Starting Friday, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will admit all veterans free, widening a program that already covers active-duty service members ahead of Memorial Day.
The museum said the change recognizes how the Sept. 11 attacks shaped a generation of service members and aims to educate younger Americans, with nearly 100 million now having no lived memory of 9/11.
John Paluska, a retired Green Beret who volunteered at Ground Zero as an 18-year-old freshman, said the attacks led him to enlist a month later and made the site sacred ground for many post-9/11 veterans.
The museum also highlighted Ron Bucca Jr., whose father died in the attacks before he later served as a Green Beret, underscoring the personal ties many veterans have to the memorial.
September 11, 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks, as the museum broadens access for groups directly affected by 9/11, including families and rescue workers.
Beyond free museum entry, what are the hidden health crises facing the post-9/11 generation of American veterans?
As 9/11 becomes history, how is its story being shaped for a generation with no memory of the attacks?
With terror groups now using AI, how is the U.S. adapting its counterterrorism strategy 25 years after 9/11?
9/11 Memorial & Museum 25th Anniversary: Expanded Free Admission for Veterans, National "Steel Across America" Tour, and New Educational Programs
Overview
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is expanding its commitment to honoring service by offering free admission to all veterans starting Memorial Day weekend 2026. This new policy builds on the Museum’s tradition of recognizing those who have served, making visits accessible to every veteran and extending existing benefits for active-duty military and retirees. By acknowledging veterans’ sacrifices and fostering understanding across generations, the Museum aims to deepen public appreciation for service and remembrance. This initiative ensures that veterans and their families can connect with the powerful story of 9/11, supporting reflection, healing, and education for all visitors.