Dayton Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Turner, along with Congressman Greg Landsman, introduced the Veterans Affairs Centennial and Heritage Act, bipartisan legislation that would codify the establishment of a National VA History Center (NVAHC) for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. The NVAHC currently exists only pursuant to Department Memoranda, but this legislation aims to codify the center through an Act of Congress.

Congressman Turner expressed his pleasure that the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be the home for the future museum and archives for VA history. He praised the healthcare services provided by the Dayton VA and emphasized the importance of preserving the Department of Veterans Affairs' history of outstanding work. He stated, "This critical piece of legislation will preserve the Department of Veterans Affairs' history of outstanding work and document the special relationship between the United States and our veterans."

Congressman Landsman highlighted the significance of honoring and supporting veterans. He stated, "The National VA History Center would bridge the past with the present, attracting visitors to Ohio so they can better understand our veterans' sacrifices and know they will never be forgotten."

Senator Brown acknowledged the unique history of Ohio's service and expressed his support for the legislation. He stated, "This legislation will ensure that this Center will be permanently in Dayton, doing the important work of collecting and preserving the history of countless servicemembers and honoring the Dayton's VA Medical Center's 150-year history of serving Ohio veterans."

Senator Vance recognized the historical importance of the Dayton VA Medical Center and its role in providing care for veterans since the Civil War. He expressed his pride in sponsoring legislation to honor the Department of Veterans Affairs' crucial role in caring for veterans. He concluded, "I'm incredibly grateful that this history center will be located here in Dayton and that it will advance the history of this Department for generations to come."

Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition, commended Congressman Turner for his leadership in introducing the legislation. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the history of America's support for veterans and noted that the National VA History Center will create jobs and attract visitors, providing historical and educational opportunities.

The National VA History Center is the forthcoming museum and archival center for the historical collection and records pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs and its legacy agencies. It is located at the Dayton VA Medical Center campus, which is a designated National Historic Landmark.

The legislation also authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into leasing and gift agreements for the creation of the VA History Center and its collection. This will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to better partner with history foundations and non-profits, like the Dayton-based VA History Center Foundation, to procure artifacts and design exhibits.

The introduction of this bipartisan legislation marks a significant step towards codifying the establishment of the National VA History Center.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://turner.house.gov/2024/1/turner-landsman-brown-and-vance-introduce-bill-to-codify-national-va-history-center