By Maryann Hammers

Image Courtesy Washington Crossing Historic Park

Learn more about our country’s military past at these historic sites.

Arlington National Cemetery’s tram tours are complimentary for servicemembers in uniform and 50 percent off for active duty servicemembers or veterans with ID. Stops include the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Kennedy gravesites, U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing's gravesite, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Changing of the Guard), and Arlington House (Robert E. Lee Memorial). Find details here. Call (877) 907-8585.

Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania preserves the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River. Active duty military members get complimentary admission. Among the attractions are a historic village, historic reenactments, soldiers’ graves, and the house that served as an army hospital, where President James Monroe recovered from battle wounds.

Colonial Williamsburg, the nation’s largest living-history museum, brings the 18th century to life. Active duty servicemembers, reservists, and guardmembers get complimentary admission for themselves and up to three direct dependents. Retired servicemembers and veterans qualify for a 50-percent discount. Military members also get discounts on accommodations, food and beverages, retail products, and spa services. See all the military perks here. Call (855) 296-6627.

The Thayer Hotel at West Point, N.Y., offers active duty and retired military members the government rate on guestrooms, representing a savings of about 25 percent. Plus, military members save 20 percent on dining at hotel restaurants. Owned and operated by graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the hotel is near the National Purple Heart Museum, Stony Point Historic Battlefield, and Washington’s Headquarters. Call (845) 446-4731.