Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort -- Service members and veterans can attend several theme parks across the country for free or reduced prices for themselves and up to three direct dependents through the Waves of Honor program.
Waves of Honor offers service members free admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Water Country U.S.A. or Sesame Place until the end of 2014. The program, created in 2001, has awarded more than 7 million theme park tickets to service members and their families.
"It has always been our honor to host members of the military and their families at our parks each year," said Jim Atchison, the president and CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in a press conference. "Waves of Honor is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to these dedicated service men and women who sacrifice so much to preserve the freedom we share in this country."
By visiting the Waves of Honor website, service members and their dependents can attain their free tickets, and veterans can purchase tickets for 50 percent off. After deciding which park they would like to visit, they can fill out a form and print out their Waves of Honor vouchers. The voucher holders can then bring them to the theme park’s ticket booth on any day prior to the expiration date and enjoy their free park admission.
"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity," said Cpl. Jun Lin, a ground supply clerk for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. "I’ve used this program two times and was able to visit both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. The last time I used the program I just returned from a deployment and needed something to do that would help me relax and get out of the barracks. Going to a theme park, screaming on the rides and having a great time was exactly what I needed. I look forward to going to Busch Gardens again this summer and encourage everyone to get out there and share the fun with their families and friends."
Atchison said, he hopes their program has a positive impact on individual service members and the military as a whole.
To register for vouchers or receive more information, visit www.wavesofhonor.com.