May 2024 at the Museum
May is a time to honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. During Memorial Day Weekend, we’re hosting a series of events – both at the Museum and online – to commemorate the bravery and stories of these heroic individuals. Join us as we come together to keep their legacies alive.
Also, don’t miss the opening of our newest exhibition, “Ghost Army: The Combat Cons of World War II.” This eye-opening display explores the ingenious unit that used illusion and deception to outwit the enemy. It’s a riveting look at a little-known chapter of history.
“Ghost Army” Exhibition Opening Night
Friday, May 24 | 7 p.m.
Be among the first to see “Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II,” a special exhibition created by the National World War II Museum and exclusively sponsored by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2024
CrossFit Hero Workout – “THE MURPH”
Saturday, May 25 | 8, 9 and 10 a.m.
Join the NVMM, Rogue and CrossFit Clintonville on Saturday, May 25, for a workout in honor Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Michael Murphy. Murphy was killed in action when he risked his life to call for help during an ambush while serving in Afghanistan in 2005.
There will be three separate times for you to be able to participate in this event: 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Register for your preferred heat time below!
Motorcycle Ride to the NVMM
Saturday, May 25 | 11 a.m.
This Memorial Day, let’s come together to honor the brave heroes who gave their all for our freedom.
Riding from wherever you are, meet us at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Together, we’ll stand united in honoring their legacy and supporting their families.
Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil
Sunday, May 26 | 7 p.m. | Free
During Memorial Day weekend, we honor the sacrifices of our Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in service to our country with a Candlelight Vigil.
Our guest speaker is Tara Harris, eldest daughter of First Sergeant Glenn Harris of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, who was killed in a training accident barely a year after returning home from the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia, in October 1993.
Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Monday, May 27 | 10 a.m. | In-Person and Online
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor all the men and women who have lost their lives in service to our country, as well as the families they left behind.
We invite you to join us in reflecting on their sacrifice with our annual Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. (ET) on the National Veterans Memorial and Museum rooftop. The keynote message will be provided by Secretary Patrick J. Murphy, America’s first Iraq War Veteran elected to the U.S. Congress and the 32nd Under Secretary of the U.S. Army.
This Memorial Day, let’s turn the National Veterans Memorial and Museum front lawn into a tribute of honor, gratitude, and remembrance.
Join us in honoring the service and sacrifices of our nation’s heroes by sponsoring a flag for just $20. Your contribution will transform the lawn into a magnificent display of red, white, and blue to pay respect to those who gave everything for our freedom.
Together, we can ensure that the memories of our fallen heroes are never forgotten. Make a meaningful impact this Memorial Day by sponsoring a flag at NVMM.
ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
Celebrate their Service
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated each year during the month of May to honor the accomplishments and contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to the United States of America.
Silver Star Service Banner Day
It is a time to remember the sacrifices of our service members who have been wounded, sickened or killed in combat. The tradition of a service banner with blue star covered in threads of silver began during World War I. However, it went out of use when gold and blue star service banners were adopted by the U.S. The color silver symbolizes the gallantry of service members, and blue symbolizes hope.
National Nurses Day
We honor the men and women who put their lives on the line to care for the ill and wounded. The contributions of U.S. military nurses reach as far back as the American Revolution when women cared for the fallen-on battlefields and in camps.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors our nation’s military spouses. Each year, the Friday prior to Mother’s Day is dedicated to U.S. military spouses across the globe. We are immensely grateful for all military spouses – their achievements, sacrifices and patriotism that help build and shape the communities we live in today.
Children of Fallen Patriots
Children of Fallen Patriots Day honors the Families of our Fallen. This day honors the more than 20,000 children who have lost a parent in service to our country. The date of May 13 was selected because it is also the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864. This is the final resting place for many war heroes and serves as a reminder of their sacrifices.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day honors our nation’s service members of all U.S. military branches — past, present and future. Established in 1949, the day was conceived by President Harry Truman with inspiration by the recent unification of our military under the Department of Defense.
