May 2024 at the Museum
This May, join us in-person or online as we commemorate Memorial Day with a special series of events dedicated to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
PREVIOUS EVENTS THIS MONTH
NVMM Reads Author Series
Sunday, May 5 | 6:30 p.m.
We’re kicking off our “NVMM Reads Author Series” by introducing two U.S. Army Veterans and authors, Don Bentley and Alan Mack, who will discuss their new releases and answer audience questions.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on how their military service impacted the stories they bring to life in their fiction and non-fiction works. Copies of the books discussed will be available for purchase and signature by the authors before and after the program.
Raising the Voices of Gold Star Families [Rally Point]
Saturday, May 6 | 11 a.m. | Virtual
May is a special time to remember and honor the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in service to our country, as well as the families they left behind. Gold Star Spouse Krista Simpson Anderson joins us to share her story and how the loss of her husband, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael H. Simpson, inspired her to co-found, The Unquiet Professional, an organization committed to recognizing and honoring our nation’s Gold Star Families and Veterans by providing rewarding and purposeful opportunities.
NVMM Trivia Night at Taft’s
Tuesday, May 23 | 6 p.m. | Free
Join the Museum at Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus for another special edition of Trivia! Members of the NVMM staff will be leading Trivia Night on May 23.
Winners will receive complimentary tickets to the Museum!
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Thanks to our generous sponsors, no admission fees will be charged on Memorial Day.
CrossFit Hero Workout – “The Murph”
Saturday, May 27 | 8, 9 and 10 a.m.
Join the NVMM and CrossFit Clintonville on Saturday, May 27, 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!
The Memorial Day Ride
Saturday, May 27 | 9 a.m.
Rev up your engines for the National Ride for Freedom! The vibrations from this event are expected to be felt all over town as hundreds of motorcycles converge onto the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. We welcome all that have a motorcycle to take part in this ride that reflects on the meaning of Memorial Day.
Jiu Jitsu Seminar with Dustin Ware
Sunday, May 28 | 9 a.m. | Free
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3rd-Degree black belt Dustin Ware joins us for a special Jiu Jitsu Seminar over Memorial Day Weekend. As a sports administrator for the Ohio School Athletic Association and Subject Control Consultant for the Franklin Country Sheriff’s Office Training Academy, Dustin is excited to bring his technique and skill to this special class at the NVMM.
Memorial Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll 5K
Sunday, May 28 | 9:30 a.m.
Honor Them Together. The NVMM’s Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll is a family event to honor America’s lost heroes, all service men, and service women, who died defending our country’s safety and freedom. The event features options to run, walk, ruck or roll in a 5K in honor of a lost loved one in your own life or to honor a servicemember.
Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil
Sunday, May 28 | 8 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 Major General (Dr.) Sharon Bannister, U.S. Air Force (Retired), a Gold Star daughter. Her father, U.S. Air Force Captain Stephen Rusch, was shot down over Laos in 1972.
The Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil procession will begin on the Museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove.
Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Monday, May 29 | 10 a.m. | Free | 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 General Michael Garrett, U.S. Army (Retired).
RALLY POINT
Raising the Voices of Gold Star Families
May is a special time to remember and honor the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in service to our country, as well as the families they left behind. Gold Star Spouse Krista Simpson Anderson joins us to share her story and how the loss of her husband, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael H. Simpson, inspired her to co-found, The Unquiet Professional, an organization committed to recognizing and honoring our nation’s Gold Star Families and Veterans by providing rewarding and purposeful opportunities.
INSPIRING STORY OF SERVICE
Katie Kopp
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Katie Kopp, U.S. Army Veteran and clinical psychologist, joined us to share her Inspiring Story of Service as a brigade psychologist with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Today, Katie continues her passion for helping others navigate their mental health through her work at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VETREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
Til Valhalla Project
For this month’s Vetrepreneur Spotlight, we sat down with Korey Shaffer, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and founder of Til Valhalla Project Apparel Co.. He is on a mission to help fund mental health support for Veterans with proceeds from their sales going towards creating plaques for the families of Fallen Heroes. 20% of those net proceeds are then donated towards reducing Veteran suicide.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Omari Ballou, Cmd. Sgt. Maj., U.S. Army (Retired), Veteran Engagement and Outreach Manager
Meet Omari, Cmd. Sgt. Maj., U.S. Army (Retired), our Veteran Outreach and Engagement Manager! In our blog, he shares what he would take with him on a desert island, his go-to karaoke song and more.
#NVMMREADS
“Night Catch”
When author Brenda Ehrmantraut’s brother deployed to Iraq, she knew the extended time away from their father would be hard on her nephews. Her desire to support her family inspired her to write “Night Catch” to help them feel connected. In her book, the playful use of the North Star for a game of catch helps a military dad and his son stay in touch while being a world apart.
FEATURED COLLECTION
Til Valhalla Project
Korey Shaffer started Til Valhalla Project as a coping mechanism that then turned into a way to honor our fallen. A selection of Til Valhalla Project’s are available at the Museum Exchange and they looking for dedicated volunteers who are interested in getting involved. Learn more about becoming a volunteer plaque deliverer today.
Big Lots!
From May 18-29, Big Lots stores across the country will provide customers with the opportunity to donate to the NVMM’s mission as they check out. Thank you to Big Lots, for investing in the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.
NVMM x Homage
During the month of May, when you purchase items from Homage’s USA collection, a portion of the proceeds will be sent to the Museum!
