Veterans On the Wall

More Than a Name: A Community of Honor.

Every name tells a story. Every service, a legacy. At the National Coast Guard Museum, we are creating a lasting tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our shores, our waters, and our Nation. Veterans on the Wall is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that your service – or the service of someone you want to honor – lives on for generations to come. This is more than recognition; it is a place where courage, sacrifice, and commitment are etched into history, where future visitors will see and remember the heroes who shaped our Nation.

Veterans on the Wall is a private philanthropic campaign honoring all veterans (not just those with Coast Guard service) who have demonstrated leadership–level support totaling $50,000 or more, encompassing their full giving history to the Museum. Leadership commitments may be completed through pledges of up to five years, allowing veterans to participate at a level that reflects both their past generosity and future intentions. Veterans who have already met this threshold are automatically recognized as members of the campaign.

 

Why This Campaign Matters Now

Thanks to extraordinary leadership and generosity, construction of the museum and development of exhibits is well underway. What comes next – and what will define the Museum’s impact from day one – is private philanthropic support to ensure we open a world-class museum!  We continue to explore educational and public programming, veteran and community engagement and digital and virtual experiences to bring your Museum to the Nation.  Veterans on the Wall helps bridge the critical gap between construction and a fully realized Museum that reflects the service of all who have worn a uniform.

Who Can Participate?

The Veterans on the Wall campaign proudly welcomes veterans from all U.S. military branches and uniformed services who share a commitment to service and legacy:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
• Navy
• S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
• Space Force

We also invite National Guard and Reserve members who served under qualifying federal orders, completed 20 or more years of service, or who incurred or aggravated a disability in the line of duty to participate in this historic endeavor.

A Founding Class of Legacy

Veterans on the Wall will recognize an early Founding Class – veterans who step forward during this pivotal moment as the Museum moves from construction to commissioning.

Their leadership will be permanently woven into the story of the National Coast Guard Museum. To acknowledge this, Veterans on the Wall participants will receive:

• Permanent individual recognition on the Wall of Philanthropy inside the National Coast Guard Museum’s J.D. Power III Atrium.
• Recognition on a dedicated Veterans on the Wall plaque – created specifically to commemorate this moment in the Museum’s history – that will honor the service and leadership of this Founding Class. The opportunity to secure your spot on this exclusive, permanent plaque in the Museum will only be available in 2026.
• Inclusion in a distinguished cohort of veterans united by purpose and legacy who will have VIP access to Museum events, including its Ceremonial Commissioning and Grand Opening.