Congressman Mike Turner commended the news that the Secretary of the Interior has approved the Central Branch, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers/Dayton Veterans Administration Home, as a National Historic Landmark (NHL). This marks the end of a long approval process. The designation recognizes that the Central Branch possesses exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Currently there are 2,527 designated national historic landmarks and 592 national natural landmark sites that have been designated across the country.
“The designation of the Dayton VAMC as a National Historic Landmark ensures that its rich history and contributions to our nation’s veterans will be recognized for years to come. This is welcome news as we approach Veterans Day next month,” said Turner.
Congressman Turner has long supported the Dayton VAMC to be designated as a National Historic Landmark. In 2003, Turner authored the Veterans National Heritage Preservation Act (H.R. 1762), which included a provision requiring the National Park Service (NPS), in consultation and cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to conduct a NHL study to identify sites that commemorate key facilities managed by the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers between 1865 and 1930. Dayton was specifically included as a site to be studied. At the same time, Turner worked closely with the NPS and the VA to move forward with such a study.
“This designation came about from a significant amount of work on the part of our community and my office. I am glad to have played a significant role in bringing the community together to honor the work and legacy of the Dayton VAMC to our nation’s veterans,” added Turner.
On October 21, 2004, the VA, NPS, and Congressman Turner signed an agreement to conduct a theme study to assess the significance of the National Homes and prepare NHL nominations. The signing ceremony was held at the Putnam Library on the Dayton VA Campus.
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