In Partnership With the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

Walk Together. Reflect Together. Honor Together.

Join the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation for the inaugural Remembrance Ruck, a community experience that brings Veterans and the public together to reflect on the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who served during the Global War on Terrorism. Together, we’ll help establish a new tradition of remembrance, reflection, and connection for generations to come.

While September 11 remains a day of remembrance, the Remembrance Ruck is dedicated to honoring the years of service and sacrifice that followed. Together, we recognize all who served during the Global War on Terrorism, along with the families, caregivers, friends, and communities who stood beside them throughout more than two decades of conflict.

Beginning on the Museum’s Rooftop Sanctuary, participants will walk together along the Scioto Trail before concluding in the Memorial Grove. The route intentionally weaves through spaces designed for remembrance and reflection, creating opportunities to pause, share stories, and gain a deeper appreciation for the Veteran experience.

Whether you carry a rucksack or simply come as you are, everyone is welcome. Veterans, active-duty service members, military families, first responders, and members of the community are invited to walk side by side in honor of those who served. Carrying a rucksack is a longstanding military tradition, but it is entirely optional. What matters most is walking together. Every step creates an opportunity to honor service, reflect on sacrifice, and strengthen the connections that unite our communities.

Hosted through NVMM ECHO (Engage, Connect, Honor, Overcome), the Museum’s Veteran wellness initiative, the Remembrance Ruck reflects our belief that wellness begins with connection. By walking together, we create space for meaningful conversations, elevate Veteran stories, and strengthen relationships between Veterans and the communities they continue to serve.

Participation is free and open to everyone.

There is no registration fee. Instead, participants are invited to make an optional donation in support of the shared mission of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation.

Your generosity helps preserve Veteran stories, expand educational programming, create opportunities for reflection and connection, and ensure future generations understand the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Global War on Terrorism. In accordance with the partnership between our organizations, optional event donations are shared equally between the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation to advance this shared mission.

No rucksack? No problem.

Carry a rucksack, wear a backpack, or simply come as you are. The Remembrance Ruck is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to everyone.

Every step tells a story. Every story deserves to be remembered. We invite you to walk with us.

Event Details

Date
Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time
9:00 AM

Location
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
300 W. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio

Route
Approximately 5K beginning at the Rooftop Sanctuary, following the Scioto Trail, and concluding in the Memorial Grove.

Registration
Free (Optional Donation)