August 2024 at the Museum
This August, discover something new at the NVMM! On August 8, we’re excited to welcome U.S. Army Veteran and author Marty Skovlund, Jr. for our next Meet the Authors event. He’ll share the remarkable story of Shannon Kent – special operator, wife, mother and American hero. Also, don’t miss your chance to experience “Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II” before it concludes on August 25. This fascinating exhibition reveals the ingenious deception tactics that helped turn the tide of World War II.
Back-to-school season is approaching fast! Be sure to take advantage of Ohio’s Tax-Free Weekend (July 30 – August 8) to stock up on t-shirts, books and patriotic apparel from our in-store Museum Exchange and online Shop NVMM.
PAST EVENTS THIS MONTH
Bank of America Cardholder Weekend
Saturday, August 3 – Sunday, August 4 | Free
Calling all Bank of America account and cardholders. Visit the Museum for free during the first weekend of each month when you present your Bank of America card to our Welcome Desk!
U.S. Coast Guard Birthday Weekend
Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4
Celebrate the U.S. Coast Guard’s 234th birthday with us! From August 2-4, enjoy $5 admission to the Museum and take part in special activities including Coast Guard Trivia and decorate your own ring buoy.
An Evening with Marty Skovlund, Jr.
Thursday, August 8 | 6 p.m.
The new book, “Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War,” shares the resiliency, strength and intelligence of Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent. Co-author, Marty Skovlund, Jr. joins us on August 8 to share Kent’s inspiring journey of service to our country and her family.
NVMM READS
“Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War”
“She is someone that you need to tell people about.” – Marty Skovlund, Jr.
Marty Skovlund, Jr. and Shannon Kent’s husband, Joe Kent, co-wrote “Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War” to honor Shannon and share the truth about the challenges and triumphs of Shannon’s life as a woman in the military, cancer survivor, mother of two boys, and so much more.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U.S. COAST GUARD!
“Always Ready” since 1790
For 234 years, the U.S. Coast Guard has played an integral role in our nation’s defense, patrolling our coasts, providing search and rescue capabilities and being our coastal first responders. The brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard remain Semper Paratus – Always Ready! Explore with us the origins of the U.S. Coast Guard and the service members who shaped their heritage.
PURPLE HEART DAY
A Symbol of Valor and Sacrifice
The Purple Heart Medal stands as a shining testament to the indomitable spirit of our nation’s bravest. From its humble beginnings in 1782 to its revered status today, this medal embodies the unwavering courage and selfless sacrifice. In honor of Purple Heart Day, we invite you to learn more about the history of the medal.
NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY
Honor their Legacy
Every August 14, Navajo Code Talkers Day is commemorated to honor the contributions of Native American code talkers who served in the U.S. military during World Wars I and II. Code talking was first pioneered by the Choctaw and Cherokee peoples during World War I. The 20 terms created by the Choctaw were utilized in the development of the Navajo codes during World War II. The enemy was unable to decipher a single code talker message in either World War.
Introducing the NVMM Summer Passport – a limited-time opportunity to experience all the Museum has to offer at a discounted rate.
For just $20, you’ll receive:
- Admission for you, one adult guest, and up to 2 youths (under 17)
- 10% off at the Museum Exchange
- Member-exclusive email communications and invitations
- The freedom to visit multiple times up until Labor Day
HOMAGE x NVMM
Homage is stepping up for our Veterans in a big way, and you can be part of it! Now through August 11, a portion of the proceeds from the USA x NVMM Collection will directly support the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, helping us continue our mission to honor those who’ve given so much for our freedoms.
August 1: Air Force Day
Air Force Day was established on August 1, 1947, by President Harry Truman “in recognition of the personnel of the victorious Army Air Forces and all those who have developed and maintained our nation’s air strength.” The National Security Act of 1947 officially created the Department of the United States Air Force, led by a Secretary of the Air Force.
August 4: Coast Guard Day
August 7: Purple Heart Day
Purple Heart Day commemorates the establishment in 1782 of the Badge of Military Merit, an award created by George Washington to honor soldiers for their distinguished action in battle. On January 7, 1931, Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General, was named to redesign the newly revived medal, which became known as the Purple Heart.
August 16: National Airborne Day
After World War I, Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived of the idea of parachuting troops into combat. In 1940, members of the Parachute Test platoon pioneered methods of combat jump at Fort Benning, Georgia. Since those early days the U.S. has conducted approximately 20 large-scale combat parachute assaults in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
August 29: Marine Corps Reserve Birthday
On August 29, 1916, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve was established. It is the largest command in the U.S. Marine Corps with close to 40,000 Reserve Marines. They serve our country in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations.
