National veterans museum set to open next summer

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is due to open next summer in Ohio, Air Force retired Col. Tom Moe announced at The American Legion’s National Convention on Wednesday in Reno, Nev.

“There is no single museum dedicated to honoring the veterans experience in this country until now,” said Moe, a member of American Legion Post 11 in Lancaster, Ohio. “This memorial also honors those who died in service, those who could never enjoy — as a civilian — the fruits of their service and sacrifice.”

The National Veterans Museum and surrounding memorial grove will occupy a seven-acre riverfront site in Columbus. “It is already paid for,” said Moe, noting that $77 million has been raised.

A veterans advisory committee representing all branches of service and various wars has helped shape the museum’s concept while honoring and respecting veterans.

The museum will feature permanent and temporary exhibits. Designers are working to create a permanent exhibit that will take visitors on a narrative journey emphasizing the core themes and stories of the veteran experience. The exhibits will focus on four core pillars: honor, connect, inspire and educate.

“We will honor Americans’ contributions through military and veterans service,” Moe said. “We will connect visitors through veterans through stories of their service and experiences.”

The museum also will honor historical and contemporary examples of veterans’ stories, exploring the transformative experience of service while connecting it to community service. “This is not a military museum; it is not about tanks,” Moe said. “It is about people and their stories.”

The memorial grove “will serve as as site of reflection,” Moe said, adding that “it will also serve as a site for celebration — to celebrate the ties that bind us together.”

A rooftop sanctuary has been designed for processions, memorial ceremonies, military weddings and other veterans events.

“This memorial and museum is not a fantasy,” Moe concluded. “We look forward to the grand opening next summer. We have universal support for the project and I hope we have yours as well. Our 22 million living veterans — and the countless millions who have gone before us — have earned a national museum to call home. And now we will have that home.”