April 2024 at the Museum
This April, join us as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child. Witness inspiring events like the Great North American Eclipse with viewing and events on the NVMM rooftop, get creative at our Paint and Sip session with Kristin Cronic, and delve into the heroic adventures of the brave men who piloted B-17s and B-24s during World War II.
Army Air Forces Heavy Bombers and Winning World War II
Thursday, April 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Take a journey back in time and dive into the heroic tales of the fearless men who flew the B-17s and B-24s during World War II. Join us as we unravel the untold stories of the United States Army Air Forces’ strategic bombing campaign from historians and curators from the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) History Office.
PAST EVENTS THIS MONTH
Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop
Monday, April 8 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Witness the awe-inspiring Great North American Eclipse from the rooftop of the NVMM! In partnership with the NASA Solar System Ambassadors program, we will have hands-on learning activities throughout the Museum between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission is free for NVMM members, $5 for students, Ohio History Connection and COSI members, and $10 for general public who wants to marvel at this celestial phenomenon.
Paint and Sip with Kristin Cronic
Thursday, April 11 | 6:30 p.m.
Soar among the clouds with your paintbrush and friends, all while enjoying an adult beverage. This special Paint and Sip event will be led by Kristin Cronic, U.S. Navy Veteran, painting works inspired by the skies and Jon Schueler’s Lost Man Blues exhibition.
Community Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 17 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
We need your help! Join us for our next blood drive with the American Red Cross.
As a donor at this event, you will receive two (2) FREE admission tickets to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, while supplies last. You can make a difference. To schedule your donation appointment: Visit the link below, refine your search using the proper zip code (43215) and date (4/17) and select the appointment that fits your schedule!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Billy King, Maintenance Technician
Meet Billy King, our Maintenance Technician with a passion for the performing arts! Billy’s unique journey from high school performer to Marine Corps enlistee will inspire you to pursue your dreams no matter where life takes you.
NVMM READS
“Oscar Goes to the Vet”
“Oscar Goes to the Vet” is the story of a young mouse and his friends who support one another and show they care through their words of kindness and actions. With April being the Month of the Military Child, this book is a great reminder of the importance of friendship.
GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY
Honoring Gold Star Spouses
On April 5, our nation pays tribute to the husbands and wives of fallen service members. This day brings awareness about the sacrifices and grief spouses face. It is a reminder for all of us to remember them and their loved ones today and every day. We invite you to discover the history and connect with the stories behind Gold Star Spouses Day.
MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
Celebrate our Military Families
During the month of April, we are celebrating the Month of the Military Child; a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families and the children of servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Poetry Corner
The NVMM Poetry Corner shares poems written by Veterans with the goal of bridging the gap between the Veteran experience and civilian understanding. Poetry is a form of storytelling that Veterans and civilians alike can use to process life experiences and navigate the way ahead.
Gold Star Spouses Day
The first Gold Star Spouses Day began as Gold Star Wives Day in 2010. It was later changed to be more inclusive. The term Gold Star has its origins from the service flags and banners that were first flown by families during World War I. They represented a blue star for family members serving in the armed forces and a gold star if their family member made the ultimate sacrifice during service. This day brings awareness about the sacrifices and grief spouses face. It is a reminder for all of us to remember them and their loved ones on this day and every day.
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
This day of remembrance occurs on the anniversary of the Bataan Death March. On April 9, 1942, U.S. armed forces surrendered to Japanese forces on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. On that day the Imperial Japanese Army forced American and Filipino POWs to march 65 miles. During this exodus, the POWs were beaten, robbed, starved, tortured and executed by Imperial Japanese service members. It is estimated over 20,000 men died during the march. Those who did not perish suffered cruel treatment for two years as POWs before they made it back to the United States. Today is a reminder of their service and sacrifice.
Air Force Reserve Birthday
Since President Harry S. Truman called for the formation of the Air Force Reserve in 1948, it has been a critical part of the nation’s defense. We honor the more than 82,000 men and women who provide combat ready forces to Fly, Fight and Win.
Purple Up! Day
This month, please join us on April 15 for Purple Up! Day. Wear purple to show your support for military children and their families and recognize their sacrifice for our nation.
Army Reserve Birthday
In 1908, the Army Reserve began as a small corps of medical professionals held in readiness for duty. Today, they serve as the Army’s global operational reserve force with a presence in 50 states, five U.S. Territories and 20 time zones across the globe. We recognize the more than 188,000 soldiers that protect our nation.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MEMORIAL DAY 2024
This year, we honor the brave men and women who lost their lives protecting our freedoms with a powerful series of ceremonies and events at the Museum and online.
