alcove depicts the array of tasks performed aboard the Navy supercarrier George H.W. Bush, while an interactive “Where We Were” display lets visitors summon historical statistics about U.S. deployments.
by Allied Works Architecture of New York, the circular building consists of exterior bands of concrete that evoke the strength of the nation’s armed forces and culminate in a rooftop sanctuary with splendid views of the Columbus skyline. For the memorial grove, landscape architects from the OLIN design firm planned a 2.5-acre greenspace for remembrance and reflection.
In the Remembrance Gallery, colorfully striped windows mimic the campaign ribbons military personnel wear as badges of honor, but the focal point is a folded American flag surrounded by mirrors that give the illusion of infinite stars and stripes. Having been flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, that flag
NVMM’s permanent exhibits take visitors on a double journey through a gallery flanked on one side by a timeline of U.S. military history and on the other by themed alcoves that highlight common veterans’ experiences — including “Leaving Home” and “Oath of Office” — and relate individual stories via audio and video recordings. Along the way are personal memorabilia and photos, boot camp hats and backpacks that folks can try on, and footlockers that open to tell firsthand tales of leaving family and friends. A multiscreen installation in the “Our Jobs”
28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2019
PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA
Visitors enter through the Great Hall, a soaring space with enormous windows and wall-mounted gold letters that spell out NVMM’s purpose: Honor, Connect, Inspire, Educate. “Senator Glenn came up with those objectives, and they’re the pillars of the museum,” says Hoffman. Suspended from the Great Hall’s ceiling are giant photographs showing veterans as they look today, as well as when they were in uniform. Those powerful images that greet visitors make a statement about why NVMM strives to honor veterans’ contributions, connect civilians to the nation’s 20 million living veterans, and inspire and educate people about the value of service.