All U.S. veterans have been granted free admission to Maryland state parks, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Friday.

WASHINGTON — All U.S. veterans now have free admission to Maryland state parks, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Friday.

The announcement, made in honor of Veterans Day, applies to all military veterans, whether or not they are residents of the state.

“We can never thank our brave servicemen and women enough for what they have done and continue to do for our citizens, our state, and our nation,” Hogan said in a statement. “By providing veterans this complimentary benefit, which encourages them to access and enjoy our great outdoors, we hope to express our sincere appreciation, gratitude, and respect for their service.”

Free admission for veterans applies at all 72 parks managed by the Maryland Park Service, including Assateague State Park, Deep Creek Lake State and Point Lookout State Park.

Free admission was previously limited to active-duty military and members of the Maryland National Guard

Separately, the University of Maryland announced Friday it would waive new college application fees for members of the U.S. armed forces starting next fall.