STATEHOUSE (June 19, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-sponsored by State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) to support the efforts of Fort Wayne's Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum in establishing a columbarium to commemorate fallen Hoosier veterans.
The VNMSM's board plans to install a gifted columbarium, an aboveground structure designed to hold cremation urns and personal mementos in individual niches. When an unexpected financial hurdle arose due to a state requirement for a $100,000 deposit into a perpetual care fund to ensure long-term maintenance and protection, board members turned to state legislators for support.
"Our goal with this legislation is to help ensure Hoosier veterans are honored with the respect they deserve, including through the ongoing care of their final resting places," Abbott said. "This new law creates a long-term funding solution that will help the organization preserve these sacred grounds and continue providing a dignified resting place for those who served our nation."
Abbott said Senate Enrolled Act 520 will waive the required upfront deposit fee, cutting red tape for the Fort Wayne nonprofit, and allow the VNMSM to move forward with their plans for the columbarium. Instead of the fee, funds from the sale of columbarium niches will go into a dedicated trust to ensure the ongoing care and upkeep of the structure and surrounding grounds. The donated three-piece columbarium includes 157 niches reserved exclusively for veterans.
"I was honored to stand alongside Gov. Braun and my fellow legislators to mark the signing of Senate Enrolled Act 520," Judy said. "This newly signed law will ensure that the Fort Wayne Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum can continue their work honoring our fallen heroes and supporting Hoosier veteran families."
Judy highlighted that the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum spans 40 acres and serves as a powerful tribute to those who have served in America’s armed forces. The 6,000-square-foot museum features more than 2,000 artifacts from every U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War. Among its recent additions are a Korean War Memorial with 7-foot-tall statues of soldiers on patrol and an 80-percent-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, echoing the original in Washington, D.C. Judy said these meaningful exhibits continue to draw visitors nationwide to honor and remember our fallen heroes.
To learn more about SEA 520 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18, which
includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
