The State of Maryland is celebrating Veterans Appreciation Month and honoring military veterans during the month of November with a series of programs, exhibits, and special offers at attractions and businesses throughout the state. The initiative is a joint effort between the Maryland Office of Tourism, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Maryland Public Television (MPT), and the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Maryland's veterans are an integral part of the fabric of our great state, and they deserve to be respected and remembered. During Maryland's Veterans Appreciation Month, there are many ways to pay tribute to the great heroes who sacrificed so much for our state and our nation," said Governor Larry Hogan. "We encourage everyone to visit Maryland's veterans' memorials and Welcome Centers to learn their stories and thank them for their selfless service."

The "MPT Salutes Vietnam Veterans" exhibit will be featured at all eight state-operated Welcome Centers simultaneously and showcase current-day and wartime images of 16 men and women along with their recollections of incidents from the war. Also included is an opportunity for children to color pages to thank veterans as well as stationery for visitors to craft messages to veterans or share their own stories.

Also at the Welcome Centers, the Maryland State Highway Administration's "Fallen Heroes" exhibit will feature a picture of the service member, a brief write-up about their service and sacrifice, and location information on the road sign erected in their honor. SHA has also created an online map created to help visitors plan stops at Maryland's veteran memorials. The interactive map features markers denoting memorials across the state, from Sideling Hill in Hancock to Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines.

In addition, veterans will also be able to get new Veterans Appreciation Month Passports at the Welcome Centers. The Veterans Passport offers special discounts during November at a number of Maryland businesses, including: Arundel Mills Mall, Hagerstown Premium Outlets, Tanger Outlets at National Harbor, SoldierFit, Six Flags Maryland, Route 1 Apparel, and more.

The Office of Tourism's website features special events that will be taking place throughout the month.Visit www.visitmaryland.org/veterans-month for details.

Interested in more Veterans Day content? Learn about some local veteran-owned businesses in Maryland.