STATEHOUSE (June 6, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation sponsored by State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) and authored by State Sen. Justin Busch (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 Carbaugh for support.
"This organization has consistently gone above and beyond to honor our local veterans with the respect and honor that they deserve," Carbaugh said. "This newly signed law creates a lasting funding framework to support the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum's efforts so they can continue providing a respectful and lasting tribute for the Hoosier heroes who bravely served our nation."
Carbaugh 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 appreciate the opportunity to join Gov. Braun and other state and local leaders to celebrate this bill signing," Busch said. "Senate Enrolled Act 520 will allow the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum to continue giving our fallen veterans the honor and recognition they deserve after they've been laid to rest."
Busch 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. Busch 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. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne) represents Senate District 16,
which includes Whitley County and a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Mike Braun (seated) ceremonially signs into law legislation sponsored by State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) (fifth from left) and authored by State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne) (fifth from right) to support the efforts of the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum in establishing a columbarium to commemorate fallen Hoosier veterans on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the VNMSM in Fort Wayne. Also pictured are law co-sponsors State Reps. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) (second from left) and David Abbott (R-Rome City) (fourth from left) and State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion). VNMSM board members were also in attendance including Robert Thomas (third from left), Pat Fraizer (center, standing), Eric Johnson (third from right), Bob Earl (second from right) and Greg Bedford (far right).
