Professional?! Really?

So I called Antietam Battlefield to see if I needed a permit to photograph the yearly Illumination Memorial (they spread luminaries across the battefield at dusk, creating a powerful, moving sight). I mentioned I was a hobbyist photographer who would like to take some pictures (otherwise you're limited to a non-stopping driving tour). The visitor center desk said I do indeed need a permit but that they're full for this year and then said something like the following: "...but the permits are pretty much for press and professional photographers, just liking to take photographs is not enough."

What the hell!? How are hobbyists/aspiring amateurs supposed to become "professionals" (i wouldn't even like the word if I really did consider myself a professional) if they can't take pictures and build a portfolio?