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

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