[Columbia, SC] - On Friday, November 11, military I.D. cards are as good as golden tickets when it comes to visiting Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

"On Veteran's Day, we want our troops to know that we appreciate everything they're sacrificing for us," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "Columbia is a military community, and we like being able to say thank you to the military personnel who work so hard 365 days a year."

On Veteran's Day, active duty and retired military personnel with a valid military I.D. card can show it at the gate for free admission. Accompanying spouses of military personnel are eligible for Riverbanks' year-round military discount price of $7.50, children 3 to 12 years old are $6.25 and kids 2 and under are free. Military families can also always pre-purchase discounted tickets at their local military facility's recreation office.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will also unveil another new military perk on Veteran's Day. Starting November 11, Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training graduates who come to the Zoo in uniform on the Friday of their graduation will receive free admission.