Representatives Stivers, Beatty and Tiberi Introduce Bill Supporting National Designation for the Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus

Representatives Stivers, Beatty and Tiberi Introduce Bill Supporting National Designation for the Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) introduced legislation (H.R. 6038) to designate the Veterans Memorial and Museum being constructed in Columbus, Ohio as the “National Veterans Memorial and Museum.” Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH) are lead cosponsors, along with Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jim Renacci (R-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bob Latta (R-OH), Mike Turner (R-OH), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Stephen Fincher (R-TN) and Pete Sessions (R-TX), joining as additional cosponsors of the bill. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) plans to introduce companion legislation in the Senate.

The museum, located at 300 West Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio, will serve as a civic landmark to honor, connect, inspire and educate all Americans about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s more than 40 million veterans. It will be the only public museum of its kind that exists for the exclusive role of sharing the experiences of veterans across all eras, conflicts and branches of the military.

“As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I understand the need to educate people on our military, while also sharing and preserving the stories of the incredible sacrifices our veterans make for our freedoms,” Stivers said. “I am proud to support this museum for all of the great contributions it will make for central Ohio and the veterans community across the country.”

“I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to our nation’s more than 40 million Veterans,” Beatty said. “The National Veterans Memorial and Museum will serve as a permanent landmark to the selfless service of so many brave Americans and as a memorial to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.” Beatty continued, “I am proud to join Congressman Stivers, as well as Congressman Tiberi, in introducing this piece of legislation.”  

“Our service members bravely answer the call to serve our nation,” said Tiberi. “The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is just one way we can honor them and their families, and ensure future generations know about the many sacrifices they made for us. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to my colleagues and the Ohio veterans community for supporting this bipartisan legislation.”

The veterans community in Ohio has also joined in support of the museum and legislation.

“There are almost 22 million living veterans throughout the United States, from our Greatest Generation to our recent service members coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Major General Dennis Laich, US Army (retired). “The National Veterans Memorial and Museum will honor the sacrifice of these veterans and their families and the ones that came before them. It’s thanks to this sacrifice that we all enjoy the benefits of freedom, security and democracy.”

“The time for a National Veterans Memorial and Museum is now,” said Colonel Tom Moe, US Air Force (retired).  “Our veterans have contributed significantly to our country after their military service—voluntarily serving in important and ongoing public service and also as professionals in the fields of science, technology and medicine. Their stories need to be shared.”

“The stories of our veterans are rich and timeless and need to be shared,” said Dr. Peter Mansoor, Colonel, US Army (Ret). “They provide an anchor by which we can understand the definition of honor, duty and service above self.”

The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation is managing the project, leading the design, construction, exhibit development and fundraising elements for the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

“With an iconic design already under construction, work to expand the scope of the exhibits to include national stories and artifacts continues,” said Guy V. Worley, President/CEO of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. “It is our goal to make the National Veterans Memorial and Museum a destination for our nation’s veterans, their families and our country at large.”

The museum broke ground for construction in December 2015, following the generous donations from Les and Abigail Wexner, the State of Ohio, Franklin County, and many other foundations and corporations. The grand opening date for the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is expected to be in the Spring/Summer 2018.

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