Look who just got bigger and better! With nearly 5 million more heroes now added to #Veterans Legacy Memorial from private and other cemeteries throughout the United States and abroad, finding YOUR Veterans is easier than ever. This Veterans Day, go to www.va.gov/remember and join the thousands of family members and others who have shared memories, told stories, and honored those who have served our Nation. #Legacy
VLM is an online memorial that allows family and friends to share lasting memories by uploading written tributes, photos, biographies, documents and other information to Veteran’s memorial pages.
This November the Veterans Legacy Memorial website has doubled in size by adding nearly 5 million Veterans and servicemembers buried in private and other non-VA cemeteries.
With this expansion, VLM now has nearly 10 million Veteran pages, including those buried in state and tribal cemeteries and National Park Service cemeteries.
Established in 1952, the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum remained mostly underdeveloped. That was until 2017, when its current board of directors brought attention to the all-volunteer organization and its mission with a permanent installation.
WBOI’s Julia Meek spoke with Vice Commander and veteran, Eric Johnson, about the project, new ways they've found to serve the community, and the importance of its primary commitment:
This unit, the M-247 Sergeant York anti aircraft tank, with it's Twin 40mm Bofors cannons, has been given a second life, as it has recently arrived at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
This unit was formerly at the AAF Tank Museum in Danville, Virginia, which sadly closed on November 11th, 2023, unable to bounce back from the Covid shutdowns. This unit appeared in their final posting on FaceBook announcing the Museum's closure.
To see this unit twice, at two different museums, in two different states, is surreal.
You parked our M-247 Sergeant York anti aircraft tank professionally and without incident!!!
We appreciate your continued support!!!
I’d also like to thank Total Transport Lisa Whitsey from competitive pricing to professional loading and safe hauling you were simply great to work with!!! And I must say you are also a Fort Wayne native!!!
Bravo Zulu to all the escorts from Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana Patriot Guard and a special thanks to (Mike “Carl” Markum) Mike Marcum and Tim Schild.
The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum is pleased to announce the new project that will feature two new monuments honoring veterans of the middle east conflicts. We've begun fund raising for a Desert Storm/Desert Shield monument and a combined Iraq, Afghanistan and GWOT monument. The combined monument was designed to honor all those that served including those state side and various countries around the globe in support of the War on Terrorism.
We would like to also thank American Legion Post 97 in Auburn for starting this effort off with a $5,000 donation towards the project, those who would like to donate to these monuments can make donations at the War History Museum or by mailing your donation to our PO Box 26, Arcola, IN 46704 or at www.honoringforever.org
What an amazing weekend at The Shrine…The State of Indiana’s s 40&8 Box Car is starting to take shape.
A gift...
What an amazing weekend at The Shrine…The State of Indiana’s s 40&8 Box Car is starting to take shape.
A gift from France in 1949 it was delivered to Indianapolis where it stayed for several years.
Ultimately it ended up here in Fort Wayne where it sat on the corner of Masterson and Calhoun Streets.
It came to our site many years ago and it has been undergoing an extensive restoration the past 18 months.
This weekend a major milestone of that restoration was reached when a great team of 17 volunteers installed the Ribbons and Shields on the French side of the BoxCar.
The English side will follow soon.
The volunteers consisted of:
•40 et 8 Crew Grand Chef John Van Natta V952
•Dennis Renolds V952
•Mitch Newell V37
•Ed Dornseif
•Sam Queen
•Jim Maxwell
•Steve Smock
•Jim Olds
•Alan Schuette
•Gary Parker
•Randy Page V642
•Mike Worrel V850 his daughter Michelle and granddaughter Payton
The Shrine had Board members Rick Porfilio, Tim Schild, project coordinator and his good friend Jason James.
As Commander I could not be more proud of what this group has accomplished…Bravo Zulu to all.
Commander Greg
Another great milestone is happening…the Walkpath Of War History has been started!!!
Thank you Decorative Concrete!!!
Another great milestone is happening…the Walkpath Of War History has been started!!!
Thank you Decorative Concrete!!!
Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge
Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge, over the St. Marys River, renamed to honor local veterans, located along Lafayette Street (Spy Run Avenue) at Superior Street near The Old Fort. Street View photo from Google Maps
Residents are invited to attend a dedication ceremony for the renamed and renovated Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge on Sunday, September 17 at 7:30 PM.
Last night was a special evening as our city and local veterans came together to dedicate the renamed and renovated Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Last night the Veteran's Memorial Bridge over Spy Run was dedicated. Thanks to our amazing Fort Color Guard for participating in the ceremony. We're so pleased for this beautiful addition to Fort Wayne honoring our veterans, and that the construction is finally done!
Some of our INDOT team was on hand last night to help dedicate the Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge on U.S. 27 in downtown Fort Wayne! The bridge honors veterans from all military branches with all of the great new features that thousands of motorists will get to see every day.
ICYMI: The Veteran's Memorial Bridge dedication and ribbon-cutting took place on a beautiful evening last Sunday, September 17th. The military pride of the Fort Wayne community is both humbling and inspiring. Thank you!
Veterans Memorial Bridge since its completion, still under the lights at sunrise this morning. A really picturesque addition to the downtown skyline. #fortwayne#veteransmemorialbridge#drone
Now and into the future, the Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge will serve as a tribute to the sacrifices made by local veterans, both past and present.
SAR PATRIOT MARKER: as read by Seth Bradtmueller during the Patriot Grave Marking of Colonel Alexander Ewing on 16 September 2023 in Ft. Wayne, IN.
The center of the SAR Patriot Grave Marker contains a picture of a Minute Man; the first volunteer for the American Revolution. He was ready to go “at a minute’s notice.”
The Minute Man is surrounded by 13 stars which represents the original 13 colonies.
The date of 1775 is the generally agreed upon date of the start of the American revolution.
The term “Patriot” at the bottom of the marker signifies someone that served or supported the American Revolution.
Finally, the Grave Marker contains the letters “S”, “A” and “R” which stand for the recognizing organization, the Sons of the American Revolution.
John McGauley
