National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Small Acts. Big Impact.

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum started the Service in Action Initiative in 2025 to inspire people of all ages, especially youth and families, to make a positive difference in their communities. This began with a partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) to create Service in Action Nooks – a welcoming space in local libraries that shares stories of Veterans and provides materials for visitors to participate in a service project in the library. Through engaging activities, educational resources, and local partnerships, each Nook encourages visitors to explore what service means and discover how even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact.

What Is a Service in Action Nook?

A Service in Action Nook is an interactive destination that connects the experiences of Veterans with opportunities to serve others. As visitors discover stories of courage, sacrifice, and commitment, they’re invited to reflect on those experiences and respond through meaningful acts of kindness and community engagement. Each location offers rotating projects and activities for individuals, families, classrooms, and community groups, making it easy for everyone to put service into action.

How Stories Inspire Service

Small acts of service can make a big difference.

Story

Discover the stories of Veterans through books, exhibits, Storytime programs, and authentic conversations.

Meaning

Reflect on service, sacrifice, empathy, and what those stories mean in our own lives.

Action

Take meaningful action through letters, service projects, and helping others.

Find a Service in Action Nook

Visit a Nook at one of our participating locations:

National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Martin Luther King Branch
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Karl Road Branch
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Dublin Branch (opening October 1, 2026)
John Glenn International Airport – Pop-up Nook for Honor Flight Columbus Welcome Home Celebration (see Honor Flight Columbus for dates)

Service in Action Impact

Together, we’re making a difference!

8,511 Participants Engaged
3,184 Acts of Service Completed
1,730 Letters to Veterans
532 Kindness Cards

*Data updated quarterly

New This Fall:

Community Service in Action Nooks in Honor of 9/11

Columbus City Council Partners with National Veterans Memorial and Museum to Inspire Community Service Projects in Observance of 9/11

This September, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) will engage Columbus youth and families citywide in service and learning in recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Through activations at schools, community centers, and neighborhood locations across the city, young people and adults will learn about the significance of 9/11, the service and sacrifice of Veterans and first responders, and the spirit of unity that followed the attacks in 2001. Residents will put that learning into action through projects supporting Veterans, military families, first responders, and neighbors in need. Support for these programs was provided by 911Day.org and Columbus City Council.

September 11 is federally recognized as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, established by Congress and the President in 2009 to encourage Americans to honor those lost and those who served in response to the attacks through acts of service, charity, and remembrance. As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this citywide initiative will give Columbus residents—especially young people—a meaningful way to participate in this national tradition by turning remembrance into action and strengthening the same spirit of service, unity, and compassion that brought Americans together following September 11, 2001.

Leading up to 9/11 and throughout the month of September, the following Columbus community centers will host youth service activities that support Veterans:

Holton – 303 N. Eureka Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
Dodge – 667 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Sullivant Gardens – 755 Renick St., Columbus, OH 43223
Feddersen – 3911 Dresden St., Columbus, OH 43224
Carriage Place – 4900 Sawmill Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
Lazelle Woods – 8140 Sancus Blvd., Westerville, OH 43081
Gillie – 2100 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229
Linden – 350 Briarwood Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
Barnett – 1184 Barnett Rd., Columbus, OH 43227
Far East – 1826 Lattimer Dr., Columbus, OH 43227
Marion Franklin – 2801 Lockbourne Rd., Columbus, OH 43207

On September 11, more than 300 volunteers from Columbus will join the largest annual day of service in U.S. history, organized and led by the nonprofit 9/11 Day, volunteers will pack more than 113,000 healthy, non-perishable meals for local families at risk of hunger. The meal packing will take place from 9-11 a.m. in The Great Hall at the NVMM. All meals packed will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective for distribution to individuals and families in need in Columbus.

Youth participating in the service activities on 9/11 at NVMM, will also see the Portraits of Courage Exhibition by President George W. Bush, which NVMM is hosting during the 25^th anniversary of 9/11. More information about that exhibit can be found here.

Get Involved

Choose an activity and make an impact today.

Many Veterans appreciate knowing that their service is recognized and valued by their community, especially the younger generation. Personal letters from people of all ages can provide encouragement, gratitude and connection for Veterans.
You can write these letters and deliver them to Veteran organizations in your community, or you may mail them to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. We distribute letters to Veterans through organizations including Honor Flight Network, the VA, 3rd & Goal Foundation, and the USO.
Download a Thank You Letter template here.

Write or draw a kindness card for a military family. Practicing kindness supports mental health by building empathy and connection.
You can deliver these letters to local organizations that support military families, or you may mail them to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. We distribute these cards to military-connected students in Ohio through the Purple Star School program that helps students feel supported, appreciated, and connected to their community and school.
Download a Kindness Card template here.

Request a flag kit to fill the lawn of your school or another location in your community with flags for Veterans Day – Flag Kit Signup

Please mail letters or cards to the following address:

National Veterans Memorial and Museum
ATTN: Education Department
300 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Share Your Service

We’d love to hear your story of service.
Share photos, tell us about your project, and inspire others to serve.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Volunteer Opportunities Beyond the Nook

Looking for more ways to serve your community? We proudly recommend the following organizations that offer high-quality, youth-friendly volunteer opportunities:

ServeOhio — Ohio’s statewide hub for service, AmeriCorps, and volunteer opportunities

Seeds of Caring — Service projects designed specifically for families and young children

These partners provide excellent next steps for deeper involvement and ongoing civic engagement.

Bring a Service in Action Nook to Your Community

Interested in bringing a Service in Action Nook to your library, school, museum, or community organization?

Our team can help you create a space that encourages service, builds empathy, and connects your community through the inspiring stories of Veterans.

Contact the Education Team
Mason Farr – Education & Outreach Manager
mfarr@nationalvmm.org
614-427-1126

Additional Resources

Whether you’re visiting a Nook, leading a classroom project, or bringing service learning to your community, we have free resources to help you get started.

The Service in Action Nook is sponsored by Nationwide.

Service in Action