National Veterans Memorial and Museum

06/17/2026

Lewis Patteson, a Navy World War II Veteran, speaks about his experience during the war.

06/16/2026

What if showing up for one another could change everything?

On Wednesday, June 24, the Columbus Metropolitan Club invites you into a powerful, timely conversation about how we can build a more connected, caring, and empathetic community.

💬 Forum Topic
There’s No Casserole for That: Mental Health, Loneliness, and the Courage to Show Up

In a world where more people are quietly struggling, this forum challenges us to ask: How do we move beyond awareness—and truly support one another?

🎤 Featured Voices
Sophia Fifner, President & CEO, Columbus Metropolitan Club and author of a powerful personal essay printed in the Columbus Dispatch

Bill Butler, President, National Veterans Memorial and Museum; Retired U.S. Army Colonel and combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars

Dr. John Ackerman, Su***de Prevention Clinical Manager with Nationwide Children's Hospital

Stacia Naquin (moderator), WBNS 10TV news anchor

📅 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: National Veterans Memorial and Museum (lunch and parking included!)

👉 Register now to secure your seat—and your role in shaping a more compassionate community:

Click here: https://columbusmetroclub.org/event/theres-no-casserole-for-that-mental-health-loneliness-and-the-courage-to-show-up/ and use the Promo Code "Courage" before checkout for $30 off public registration!

06/16/2026

Born in 1931, Major Richard "Dick" Meadows would become one of the most respected and accomplished special operations soldiers in American military history.

A Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Meadows served with the Army Rangers, Special Forces, MACV-SOG, and later played a pivotal role in the development of Delta Force. He was the ground force commander during the daring Son Tay Raid in 1970, an attempt to rescue American prisoners of war deep inside North Vietnam.

Known for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to mission and country, Meadows spent more than three decades serving the United States in some of the most challenging and dangerous operations of the Cold War era.

Today, we remember a warrior, a leader, and a legend whose legacy continues to inspire generations of America's special operations forces. 🇺🇸

06/15/2026

On July 13, 2008, Sergeant Ryan Pitts and his fellow paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade found themselves under a massive attack at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler near Wanat, Afghanistan. More than 200 enemy fighters unleashed a relentless barrage of rockets, machine-gun fire, and small-arms fire, quickly inflicting heavy casualties and leaving Pitts severely wounded by shrapnel.

Despite losing massive amounts of blood and being unable to stand, Pitts refused to abandon his position. He fought on from the ground, firing his weapon, throwing grenades at enemy fighters closing in on the outpost, and later crawling to a radio to direct supporting fire while enemy forces were close enough for him to hear their voices. His determination and courage helped prevent the observation post from being overrun and protected his fallen comrades from capture.

For his extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Sergeant Ryan Pitts was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions at Wanat remain a testament to the grit, sacrifice, and warrior spirit of America's fighting men and women.

06/14/2026

On Flag Day, we honor more than the Stars and Stripes. We honor the men and women who have carried our nation's colors into service, sacrifice, and duty around the world.

The American flag stands as a symbol of freedom because generations of brave service members have defended it with courage and commitment. Today, we proudly salute those who have worn the uniform and carried that responsibility on behalf of us all.

Happy Flag Day. 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

Jack Hamlin went from being a New York Yankee to serving in the Coast Guard during World War II. Unsure he'd see any action, he ended up in the waters off of Omaha beach. Listen to his incredible story.

Video by Staff Sgt. Alexander Henninger

06/11/2026

Join us on Friday, June 19th, as the NVMM and the Columbus Air Show Presented by ScottsMiracle-Gro, welcome the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to the museum.

This FREE event will be your chance to meet and greet the members of the Air Force’s elite demonstration team on the museum’s rooftop.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with self-guided museum access, and the event takes flight at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.

Seating is limited, and you must have a ticket to attend. Reserve your ticket here: https://my.nationalvmm.org/publicevents26/thunderbirds26

06/10/2026

Congratulations to our friends at The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation on the unveiling of the design concept for the new memorial. The National Global War on Terrorism Memorial is scheduled to open in 2028 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMbJt0-hHNg

For over two decades, those who served in the Global War on Terrori...

06/10/2026

On Memorial Day, we were honored to have Travis Manion Foundation CEO Ryan Manion as our keynote speaker. After her moving words during the event, she spoke with us about what the museum means to her.

06/09/2026

Fueled by JOCKO FUEL, The BRUCE is coming to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for its inaugural workout on Saturday, June 27.

Built through a collaboration with NVMM ECHO (Engage, Connect, Honor, Overcome), this uniquely curated experience blends physical challenge, community, and elevated storytelling to honor Sgt. Bruce Cogley and the legacy of service and sacrifice connected to Hamburger Hill, also known as the Battle of Hill 937.

This event is about more than fitness. It’s about honoring the Veteran experience, building connection, and bringing greater awareness to Veteran wellness and community.

Powered by Rogue Fitness, the Official Equipment and Giveaway Partner of The BRUCE at the NVMM.

Each registered event participant will receive one complimentary entry into the Rogue Fitness / NVMM Bruce Charitable Prize Drawing.*
Eligible participants may enter for a chance to win one of the following prizes:
• Rogue Echo Bike
• Rogue Echo Rower
• Rogue Echo Ski

The first 100 participants will receive a commemorative coin recognizing this inaugural event.

Click here to register for the June 27 workout: https://my.nationalvmm.org/4518/bruce26

Veterans, families, athletes, and the broader community are all welcome. Note: This is an outdoor event.

For more information about the Sgt. Bruce Cogley Foundation, click here: https://thebrucewod.com/

** Additional terms and conditions apply. Registered participants will receive a follow-up email with eligibility requirements, prize drawing details, and access to the Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.