Stories

 

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.

According to an article at: https://www.army.mil of the 3,498 service members who have received the Medal of Honor throughout U.S. history, only 88 have been black. The first was Army Sgt. William H. Carney.

He earned the honor for protecting the United States' greatest symbol during the Civil War -- the American flag.

On Saturday September 24th the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum located at 2122 O’Day Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46818 announced a new Gold Star Families memorial coming to the grounds.

In addition to the Woody Williams Foundation's support, Terry Hudson, former board member, and his family generously supported the installation with a $50,000 donation.

Thank You to Star Financial for all their help at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum on
Wednesday, August 24th, United Way Day of Caring!
 
Having community partners such as Star Financial is extremely important to our pledge:
"Where no veteran will ever be forgotten."

The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum officially dedicated six new granite benches that will be permanently displayed at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.


The benches were generously sponsored and engraved with the sponsor’s names on each of the benches. The benches were produced by Ley Monument in Avilla, Indiana. These benches will be lasting tributes honoring fallen heroes from the Vietnam War.

For those unfamiliar with  the Merci Train, here's additional information.

In 1949, Indiana was gifted one of 49 Merci Train railroad box cars. This gesture was in response to and with appreciation from French citizens after more than 700 American box cars of relief goods was sent to them, including donations by many individual Americans.

Donations from the Merci Train came from over six million citizens of France and Italy in the form of dolls, statues, clothes, ornamental objects, art, and furniture.

Fort Wayne, In Jan. 25th The Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum
has recently been awarded the 2022 Concrete Achievement Award by the Indiana
Ready Mixed Concrete Association for the construction of the Vietnam Wall. The
Award was presented to Commander Greg Bedford, Chris Harmon Director of
Field Operations for Hagerman Construction, as well as Shawn Hacker, Forman
on the wall project from Hagerman, in Indianapolis on Monday January 17th.

Fort Wayne, IN: The McComb Family Foundation donated $25,000 for a
Granite Columbarium to be built at Veterans National Memorial Shrine and
Museum, 2122 O’Day Road.