Columbus has a rich and storied military history. A variety of military experiences throughout the city highlight the vital role Columbus residents played in our nation’s conflicts, dating back to the Civil War. Plus, Columbus is the only place in the country that has a single facility that honors all veterans and their families, past and present, from all eras of conflict and branches of service at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), which celebrates its seventh anniversary in 2025.

This Veterans Day, Ohio’s capital offers a number of events and activities to honor and celebrate the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made for our country. 

 

Veteran images at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio

 

Events & Activities

Veterans Day Ceremony

Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m. | National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Head to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum to honor and celebrate the selfless service of millions of Veterans who have defended our freedoms. With featured speaker, actor Matthew Modine, and an accompanying exhibition showcasing his photography while on the set of "Full Metal Jacket," this event promises to be both moving and memorable. See details here.

March Through Time

Saturday, Nov. 15 | National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

In partnership with the Ohio History Connection, this special event brings military history to life through hands-on activities, reenactors, and themed scavenger hunts. Discover how service members lived, fought, and persevered across generations—and how their stories continue to inspire us today. Learn more here.

Kelton's Emancipated Regiments: The untold and remarkable history of Oscar Kelton's regiment and the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War and Reconstruction

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | Kelton House Museum & Garden

Marian Lupo, Ph.D., is the author and editor of several academic articles and collections. She has a special interest in Civil War Studies. This presentation covers the unknown history of Oscar Kelton's regiment, the Civil War, the United States Colored Troops, and Reconstruction. Learn more.

 

Motts

Motts Military Museum

 

Visit Motts Military Museum

Open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Plan a visit to Motts Military Museum, whose mission is to share artifacts and recount their history through the stories of those who witnessed them firsthand while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Exhibits range from ones focusing on the Revolutionary War to World War II and from the Vietnam War to Desert Storm.

Visit Ohio Veterans Plaza

Open daily on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse

Visitors can stop by the Ohio Veterans Plaza, which honors Ohio veterans from World War II to the present. Limestone walls feature inscribed letters with moving messages from veterans who depict being at concentration camps, being injured during combat, missing their children's milestones and spending holidays apart from loved ones.  

Support Veteran-owned Businesses

Another way to honor Veterans is to support Columbus' thriving community of veteran-owned businesses. Some of the local businesses include Crew Supply Co., which creates high-quality barware and infusion kits, and Jump Start Java, which provides barista-style gourmet coffee for businesses.