June 2024 at the Museum
Celebrate freedom and honor our military heroes this June! This month, we’re continuing our year-long salute to World War II with the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemoration – a pivotal moment that changed the course of history. You will also get a chance to meet the elite pilots, mechanics and support staff of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at an exclusive Meet and Greet in partnership with the Columbus Air Show.
Then lace up your running shoes for the inaugural FREEDOM 5K presented by the NVMM and Red, White & BOOM! It’s a family-friendly celebration of Independence Day and the brave service members who fight for our liberties.
FREEDOM 5K
Saturday, June 29 | 10 a.m.
Register today for the inaugural FREEDOM 5K presented by the NVMM and Red, White & BOOM! Celebrate Independence Day and all the service members who fought for our freedoms and defend our country today during this family-friendly event.
PAST EVENTS THIS MONTH
Bank of America Cardholder Weekend
Saturday, June 1 – Sunday, June 2 | 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!
80th Anniversary of D-Day
Thursday, June 6 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the NVMM! Experience first-hand one of the most pivotal moments of World War II with reenactors on the lawn and throughout the Museum, hands-on activities, a new D-Day documentary from Black Rifle Coffee Company and more!
An Evening with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Thursday, June 13 | 6 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Meet members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on the NVMM Rooftop thanks to our partners at the Columbus Air Show! The meet and greet will include opportunities to learn how these elite pilots, mechanics and support staff inspire audiences with precision flying skills in the F-16 Falcon, our Air Force’s premiere multi-role fighter jet.
U.S. Army Birthday Weekend
Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16
The U.S. Army turns 249 on June 14! To celebrate, we’re offering $5 admission to the Museum, plus enjoy fun activities throughout the weekend.
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
NVMM READS
“How Easy Company Became a Band of Brothers”
Written by Chris Langlois, the grandson of medic Eugene Roe who served with Easy Company, “How Easy Company Became a Band of Brothers” takes an in-depth look at the experiences of the paratroopers who served in the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARMY!
“This We’ll Defend:” 249 Years of the U.S. Army
This year marks the U.S. Army’s 249th birthday. Explore with us their origins and the service members who shaped their heritage.
PRIDE MONTH
Honoring Our LGBTQIA+ Service Members
During the month of June, we are highlighting the service and impact of our LGBTQIA+ community in the military. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) shares, “It is estimated that there are a little more than 1 million LGBTQ+ Veterans in the United States.” Join us as we celebrate those who paved the way for a more inclusive military force.
PTSD AWARENESS MONTH
Listen, Connect, Reach Out
This June, we’re raising awareness about post-traumatic stress and helping to reduce the stigma to seeking treatment.
Allies Invade Normandy, known as D-Day
On the morning of June 5, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, gave the go-ahead for the Operation Overlord. He told the troops, “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe and security for ourselves in a free world.” More than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes and over 150,000 servicemen landed on five beaches along a 50 mile stretch of France’s Normandy region. It was and remains the largest amphibious assault in history and marked the beginning of one of the most decisive battles in World War II.
Women Veterans Day
The first Women Veterans Day was held June 12, 2018, marking the 70th anniversary of the groundbreaking Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. We honor and recognize the more than 67,000 female Veterans in Ohio and more than 2 million female Veterans who have bravely served our nation. June 12 is currently a state-recognized commemoration in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
U.S. Army Birthday
From the Revolutionary War to conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, the Army is the oldest and largest branch of the U.S. Military. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army as a way for the 13 unified American colonies to fight against British forces. More than 30 million men and women have served since 1775 and today, the Army is made up of more than 700,000 soldiers.
U.S. National Flag Adopted
The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating, “The flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as national Flag Day.
Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had formally freed them two years earlier, and the American Civil War had largely ended, Texas was the most remote of the slave states. Due to a low presence of Union troops, enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent. Newly freed Black people celebrated, and Juneteenth was born. Juneteenth became an official U.S. holiday in 2021.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
Established by Congress in 1939, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is Semper Paratus, “Always Ready.” The 26,000-volunteer member force donates more than 3.8 million hours in support of U.S. Coast Guard missions to promote safety on and over the high seas and the nation’s navigable waters.
