Celebrate Veterans Day by Exploring Ohio's Historic Sites and Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - This Veterans Day, TourismOhio and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum invites residents and visitors alike to honor those who have served by exploring Ohio's rich military history and supporting veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses across the state.

"Ohio has a proud legacy of service, from the soldiers who shaped our nation's history to the entrepreneurs and innovators who continue to strengthen our communities," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development that oversees TourismOhio. "This Veterans Day, we encourage everyone to celebrate that spirit by visiting the incredible museums and memorials that tell these stories - and by shopping small and supporting the veterans who call Ohio home."

"Ohio's heroes have played such a vital role in American military history, and we cherish the men and women who served and make us proud every day. On Veterans Day, there are so many wonderful ways to acknowledge them and we are blessed to live in a state where we can truly soak in the magnitude of their contributions to our freedom," said Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) John C. Harris Jr., director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. "I urge all Ohioans to visit one of our many outstanding venues or simply take a moment to recognize the sacrifices of those who wore the cloth of our nation."

Honor and Explore: Sites That Tell the Story of Service

Ohio is one of the most patriotic states in the nation, and those wishing to honor military service have countless meaningful places to do so. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services offers a comprehensive, county-by-county listing of memorials, monuments, and museums across the state - making it easy for residents and visitors to pay tribute and reflect on the sacrifices and achievements of Ohio's service members. Whether it's a quiet moment at a local memorial or a day spent exploring a historic site, there are opportunities in every corner of Ohio to remember and honor those who served. A few to explore include:

National Veterans Memorial and Museum - Columbus
Located on Columbus's Scioto Peninsula, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to sharing the stories of veterans from all branches and eras of service. Visitors can explore powerful exhibits, artifacts, and personal letters that honor duty, sacrifice, and courage.

The museum's seventh annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11. Actor/director Matthew Modine will be the featured speaker. Modine's photo exhibit "Full Metal Jacket Diary," which he took during the filming of Stanley Kubrick's 1987 Vietnam War film classic, is currently on display at the museum.

Read more: 3 Reasons to Visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Motts Military Museum - Groveport
Just outside Columbus, Motts Military Museum offers one of the most comprehensive privately curated military collections in the country. Founded by Vietnam veteran Warren E. Motts, the museum preserves and shares artifacts and personal stories from every American conflict - from the Revolutionary War to today. Visitors can see uniforms, vehicles, and personal letters that bring Ohio's proud military heritage to life.

Learn more: Motts Military Museum Mesmerizes

International Women's Air & Space Museum - Cleveland
This museum celebrates the contributions of women in aviation and aerospace - many of whom served their country in uniform. Located inside Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport, the museum is a stop on Ohio's "Vibrant Cities" Cleveland Road Trip.

Explore more: International Women's Air and Space Museum

Armstrong Air & Space Museum - Wapakoneta
Honoring Ohio native and Navy veteran Neil Armstrong, this museum celebrates the achievements of Ohio's astronauts and aviation pioneers. Visitors can see Armstrong's Gemini and Apollo artifacts, explore flight simulators, and reflect on how military service prepared many astronauts - including several from Ohio - for missions that expanded the frontiers of exploration.

Explore more: Ohio's Best Space and Aviation Museums

Fort Meigs - Perrysburg
Originally built during the War of 1812, Fort Meigs stands as one of Ohio's most significant military landmarks. The reconstructed fort and museum tell the story of the soldiers who defended the Northwest Territory and helped shape the young nation. Each fall, visitors can experience events like the annual Garrison Ghost Walks and the Fort Laurens Anniversary March-In, blending history, honor, and community.

Plan a visit: History Comes to Life at Fort Meigs

Remember Ohio's Legacy of Leadership and Service

Ohio's history is full of remarkable veterans whose leadership extended far beyond their years in military uniform. From astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, to baseball legend Branch Rickey, to Hall of Fame athletes like Lou "The Toe" Groza, Bobby Knight, and Fred Taylor, Ohio's veterans have inspired generations through courage, commitment, and community.

Visitors can explore even more veteran-connected attractions and stories across Ohio, including:

• Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce - honoring duty, honor, and courage.
• Fort Recovery, Fort Meigs, and Fort Laurens - where Ohio's frontier history comes to life.
• The William Tecumseh Sherman Birthplace Museum in Lancaster - a tribute to one of the Civil War's most storied generals.

Find more historic sites and stories on Ohio.org.

Visit Development.Ohio.gov to learn about the Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise program and discover how Ohio continues to honor veterans through opportunity and entrepreneurship.

About TourismOhio

Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.  

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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For Immediate Release:
Nov. 5, 2025

For more information, contact: Mason Waldvogel [email protected]

National Veterans Memorial and Museum Mark Cooper [email protected]