Museum offers free admission to veterans after criticism

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The new National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Ohio won’t charge U.S. military veterans admission following public criticism of earlier plans to have them pay entrance fees.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the museum in Columbus originally said adult admission was $17, while veterans would pay $12. The decision to charge veterans drew criticism, and officials decided to let them in free.

Museum President and CEO retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter said in a statement the museum was “committed to providing free entry to all American Military Veterans.”

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell recently gave a keynote address at the museum before it opened to the public Wednesday.

The $82 million attraction was the vision of Ohio native John Glenn, the late military hero, astronaut and U.S. senator.

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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com