Stories

A gathering of families highlighted the June 22, 2024 dedication of a new Woody Williams Foundation Gold Star Family Memorial Monument at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Gold Star Families have endured the grief and loss of a loved one during America’s wars. The man behind remembering and honoring these families was World War II Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams, a Marine veteran.

His commitment and tireless work ensured that these memorial monuments have been created in 137 locations with another 49 in progress.

We will be writing stories about the first recipients of the Medal of Honor, by war.

Civil War

During the Civil War, efforts by Senator James Grimes and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles to inspire sailors to valorous service led to the creation of the Medal of Honor in December 1861. Legislation authorizing a similar medal for soldiers in the army followed in 1862.

Fort Wayne, IN, January 16th The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum located at 2122 O’Day Road in Fort Wayne has announced that there will be Global War on Terrorism monuments constructed on the memorial grounds to honor all those who served in the Middle East conflicts.

 

Full Press Release

 

The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum has a new additionto share. It is a M-247 Sergeant York aerial combat tank. The M-247 was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun developed by Ford Aerospace in the late '70s. Based on the M48 Patton tank, it replaced the Patton’s turret with a new one that featured twin radar-directed Bofors 40mm rapid-fire guns. The vehicle was named after Sergeant Alvin York, a famous World War I hero. 

Veterans Day 2023 marked another significant moment as The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum dedicated a truly inspiring memorial to Korean veterans who helped win "The Forgotten War".

There are 12 statues depicting a patrol and each features the actual face of 12 Korean Veterans from the area. Every statue has a different pose, including a rifleman, minesweeper and one soldier helping another.

 

The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum  announces the addition and dedication of a new Civil War monument, Monday August 7, 2023, on the grounds at 2122 O’Day Road in Fort Wayne.

The new monument was donated by a local family that had relatives serving during the Civil War and in World War II. The black granite monument stands over six feet tall.

With great excitement and honor, the W. Paul Wolf War History Museum opened on Memorial Day weekend.
We appreciate all the people that attended as we celebrate another step in our commitment to our founders:

"Where no veteran will ever be forgotten."

Mr. Wolf, a Korean veteran, has provided tremendous support for our mission. With almost triple the space of our old museum, much more of our historical artifacts can be displayed.

Stop by for some coffee at Paul's Cafe!

 

Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum Wins Hoosier Hospitality Award.

On November 29th, the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum 2122 O’Day Road Fort Wayne was selected as a 2022 Hoosier Hospitality Award Winner. This award is given to Hoosiers that have displayed a high level of service in tourism-related professions in Indiana.