SeaWorld offers military free day at park
By Robert Johnson
April 18, 2003
ORLANDO (Orlando Sentinel) -- SeaWorld on Thursday began leading a charge by Orlando theme parks to honor the military victors in Iraq by offering them free admission.
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando said they won't be far behind.
SeaWorld's "Operation Salute" will award free single-day tickets to active-duty military and up to four "direct dependents" beginning on Memorial Day and concluding on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The offer is also extended to all coalition forces serving with U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"We're excited about honoring those who have endured hardship," said Jim Atchison, SeaWorld's general manager.
The offer is similar to those extended by many tourist attractions to veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War and to firefighters and police officers after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Universal Orlando will also "pay tribute to our troops," spokeswoman Susan Lomax said, but details aren't final yet.
At Disney World, spokeswoman Marilyn Waters said, "You can expect us to announce a special offer for returning U.S. military soon."
By Robert Johnson
April 18, 2003
ORLANDO (Orlando Sentinel) -- SeaWorld on Thursday began leading a charge by Orlando theme parks to honor the military victors in Iraq by offering them free admission.
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando said they won't be far behind.
SeaWorld's "Operation Salute" will award free single-day tickets to active-duty military and up to four "direct dependents" beginning on Memorial Day and concluding on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The offer is also extended to all coalition forces serving with U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"We're excited about honoring those who have endured hardship," said Jim Atchison, SeaWorld's general manager.
The offer is similar to those extended by many tourist attractions to veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War and to firefighters and police officers after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Universal Orlando will also "pay tribute to our troops," spokeswoman Susan Lomax said, but details aren't final yet.
At Disney World, spokeswoman Marilyn Waters said, "You can expect us to announce a special offer for returning U.S. military soon."