The Buckeye State is offering many safe and free ways to remember and honor veterans for this federal holiday
By Corinne Minard
Veterans Day, held each year on Nov. 11, is a day to remember and honor the country’s many veterans. Many people may usually travel to visit military cemeteries and sites, but with COVID-19 cases rising across the country, it’s best to stay close to home this year. In Ohio, you’ll find that there are many special events designed to honor our country’s veterans without having to leave the state.
Free Admission
Many of the state’s attractions are offering free or discounted admission to active and retired military personnel.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is providing free admission to veterans and active military, as well as one guest, through Nov. 15. In addition, the museum is offering a 20% discount at the museum store.
The state’s zoos are also offering deals. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is offering free admission to active and retired military personnel and up to six half-price tickets for their family members. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is offering free admission to those who do and have served, and also their immediate family. And at the Akron Zoo veterans can visit the zoo for free now through Nov. 11, with immediate family members receiving half-off admission.
Special Events
Two Ohio museums that honor veterans and those in the military throughout the year are hosting special events this Veterans Day.
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus is celebrating veterans in a variety of ways. On Nov. 11, it will host a free online Veterans Day Ceremony on Facebook and YouTube, featuring comments by Montel Williams, a U.S. Marine and Navy veteran; Bruce Thorn, U.S. Army veteran and president and CEO of Big Lots; and museum president and CEO, Lt. General Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired). Afterwards and throughout the week, the museum will continue to post about veterans on its social media with the hashtags #NVMM #VETERANSDAY2020. If you would like to have a friend or family member honored during the week, you can submit their name and story for inclusion by Nov. 9. In addition to the event, the museum will be offering free admission to all on Nov. 11 and hosting a virtual Run/Walk throughout the month of November.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, which is always free, will have more than 50 veterans and subject matter experts placed throughout the museum on Nov. 11 to discuss the aircraft and exhibits. From Nov. 11 through Nov. 15, the museum will also be hosting a LEGO military-themed display created by Cincy LUG. The display will include replicas of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the B-17 Memphis Belle.