Following a backlash, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Ohio changed their policy and began allowing veterans in for free. Now, the museum will extend that offer to those on active-duty as well.
Thanks to Ohio's three largest veterans charities, anyone still wearing a uniform can expect free admission and parking through 2019, the museum announced Friday.
The American Legion Department of Ohio Charities, the Ohio Department of AMVETS Service Foundation, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Ohio Charities have agreed to fund tickets for veterans and active-duty service members for the museum's inaugural year.
“As the philanthropic side of the nation’s most inclusive veteran service organizations, we are honored to help ensure that even more members of the military are able to visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum each and every day,” said Merle Pratt, president for the Ohio Department of AMVETS Service Foundation.
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The $82 million 53,000 square-foot museum opened its doors in October and faced criticism after it initially charged vets for admittance. The museum altered that policy in November.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact the stories of our veterans have on all who explore our museum and memorial,” said Army Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter. “It is a moving experience and one that acknowledged the selfless service of our veterans and their families. We look forward to seeing the many active duty military members who have been given this awesome gift by their veteran brothers and sisters.”
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Veterans and active-duty troops must show a veteran’s ID or a driver’s license that reflect military or veterans status to gain entrance to the museum at 300 W. Broad St. in Columbus Ohio.
Admission to Gold Star families, relatives of American service members killed in the military, remains complimentary.
For everyone else looking to check out the exhibits and architecture, admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older), $10 for youths (5-17) and free for children under five.