May at the Museum
This May, honor service, science, and self-expression at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
From April 30–May 3, explore Pigments & Polymers, a hands-on art experience inspired by Syd Solomon, plus enjoy $6 admission April 30–May 2 and a special Paint and Sip evening on May 2. Then, celebrate innovation at COSI Science Fest on May 3 with interactive military vehicle displays, and join us Memorial Day weekend for The Murph workout (May 24), a Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil (May 25), and our solemn Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony (May 26).
Pigments & Polymers: Science and Abstract Expression
April 30-May 3
Join us in the lower-level gallery between 1:00 and 3:00 PM each day for an overview of the exhibition led by a museum educator that will dive into Syd Solomon’s innovative use of synthetic polymer media. Visitors will have the opportunity to channel their inspiration into their own artwork. With guidance from a museum educator, participants will experiment with acrylic techniques inspired by Solomon’s process, creating their own abstract compositions. No prior experience is necessary—just a curiosity for art and an eagerness to explore the fusion of creativity and chemistry.
All materials will be provided by the museum. Come ready to learn, explore, and paint in this hands-on celebration of art and innovation!
We’ll be offering $6 admission on April 30 – May 2 as part of this community event.
Paint and Sip
May 2 at 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join us at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for a special Paint and Sip event to commemorate the final days of our current exhibition, Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed. Syd Solomon was a celebrated artist and World War II Veteran who was deeply inspired by nature and human experiences. The painting for this event will be loosely based on those principles.
During COSI Science Fest, be sure to see our “Mighty Military Machines” display!
Saturday, May 3 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Courtesy of the Ohio Army National Guard, three military vehicles will be on display:
- Homeland Response Force Vehicle (Ford F-series truck) and trailer
- High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee)
- Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) is an eight-wheel drive, diesel-powered, 10-short-ton tactical truck
Ohio Army National Guard personnel will provide demonstrations and up close (“touch a truck”) explanations of what each of these military vehicles do.
In addition to this awesome display of military machinery, visitors will be able to write thank-you notes and letters to active-duty military members and Veterans.
CrossFit Workout – “The Murph”
Saturday, May 24
Join the NVMM and community partners for a workout in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Michael Murphy. This event will occur outdoors rain or shine. Murphy was killed in action when he risked his life trying to save his team during an ambush while serving in Afghanistan in 2005. Remember Lt. Murphy, his sacrifice and the impact it left on the people around him this Memorial Day Weekend.
There will be two separate times for you to be able to participate in. Heat #1 will begin at 8 a.m.; Heat #2 will begin at 9 a.m. Choose your preferred heat time when you register.
Tickets include a commemorative Hero Workout item, free Museum admission and free parking.
Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil
Sunday, May 25, Doors open at 7 p.m. for Reception
Procession begins on rooftop at 7:45 p.m.
Ceremony at 8 p.m.
During Memorial Day weekend, we honor the sacrifices of the Gold Star Families who have lost a loved one in service to our country with a Candlelight Vigil.
We are honored to welcome Major General Mark A. Graham, U.S. Army (Retired), MBA, as our guest speaker. A Gold Star father and dedicated mental health advocate, Maj. Gen. Graham has devoted his life to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention following the tragic losses of his sons—Second Lt. Jeff Graham, killed by an IED in Iraq in 2004, and Kevin Graham, a Senior Army ROTC cadet who died by suicide in 2003. Together with his wife Carol, he continues to champion efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental health care in both military and civilian communities.
The Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil procession will begin on the Museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove.
The Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil is open to the public and is intended to be a solemn ceremony for Gold Star Families to remember immediate family members who lost their lives in service to our country. If you wish to honor an extended family member, fellow servicemember, or friend, there will be a dedicated time for that during our Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 26.
Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Monday, May 26
While Memorial Day has come to be known as the unofficial start of summer, it is important for us to remember the true meaning of the day. 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.
Nate Boyer, U.S. Army Green Beret Veteran and former NFL player, will deliver the keynote address. He made history in 2015 as the oldest rookie in league history at age 34 with the Seattle Seahawks. A philanthropist and storyteller, he co-founded the nonprofit Merging Vets & Players and now works in film and television as a producer, director, writer, actor, and host.
At the conclusion of this ceremony, there will be a time for audience members to honor a lost loved one, fellow servicemember, or acquaintance/friend in response to the prompt, “I will always remember …”
