Posted: Thursday, December 27, 2012 -- 8:00 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Wisconsin veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart will soon get free admission to some popular Milwaukee County venues.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will award the first passes to two veterans during an event on Friday.

The facilities included are the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World and the Harley-Davidson Museum. The Boerner Botanical Gardens and the Mitchell Park Domes will also offer free admission.

Veterans have to contact the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office to get a pass.

Abele says he's honored to thank veterans in this small way. The pass goes into effect Jan. 1.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press