47,640 — that is the number of veterans that currently live in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District.

Nationwide, there are almost 22 million.

These men and women have nobly served and defended our nation. They deserve our thanks and respect, which is why memorials, monuments, and other tributes to their bravery and sacrifices have been erected throughout the country.

I am excited and proud that the newest installation in their honor will be right here in Ohio.

Those 22 million veterans have served across all eras, conflicts, and branches of the military, and the diversity of those experiences is well-documented in the various monuments.

But what our nation lacks is one memorial that can educate the public about our collective military history. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus will fill that void.

This project will share the experience of all veterans, whether they served in World War II, or as a part of the conflict in Iraq, no matter which branch they served with. It will serve as a testament to their stories, and will be an educational resource to all who visit.

It is truly the first of its kind in our country, and I predict that it will attract patrons from all over the United States.

I believe this project is worthy of national recognition. That is why I am proud to partner with my colleagues from Central Ohio, Representatives Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH), as well as the rest of the Ohio Congressional delegation to sponsor H.Res. 1900, which would designate the Memorial as the “National Veterans Memorial and Museum.”

I recently had the opportunity to tour the site, and I am encouraged by the progress. The $70 million project is privately funded by citizens and foundations who have seen the value in this type of investment.

The site was formerly home to the Franklin County Veterans Memorial, but as soon as next summer, it will feature glass walls, landscaping, and a rooftop area for events and tributes to all of our nation’s veterans.

If you have questions or comments regarding H.Res. 1900 or the progress of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2015, my Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968, my Lancaster office at (740) 654-2654, or my Wilmington office at (937) 283-7049. For additional information on where I stand on the issues before Congress, you can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and sign up for my e-newsletter at stivers.house.gov.