STATEHOUSE NEWS

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(Columbus, OH) – The Capitol Square Review & Advisory Board (CSRAB) is pleased to announce “Flags of Honor,” a new rotating exhibit at the Ohio Statehouse that commemorates Ohio military service personnel.

Provided in partnership with the Motts Military Museum Inc. of Groveport, Ohio, the exhibit series highlights the service and sacrifice of Ohio’s men and women in uniform.

Located in the south light court of the Capitol, the display features uniforms, equipment, and personal artifacts from Ohio veterans. Also on view are American and Ohio flags that belonged to these service members during their tours of duty.


The first exhibit in the “Flags of Honor” series opens the week of Veterans Day and features Edward I. Arthur of Lancaster, Ohio. Arthur served in the U.S. Army’s 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, B and D Troops during the Vietnam War in 1966, 1967, and 1970. He earned two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor and five Air Medals, one with a “V” device.

Arthur’s Air Medal with “V” Device citation reads:

“Specialist Four Edward Arthur distinguished himself by heroism in action on 11 May 1967, while serving as an aerial observer and gunner with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry during a combat aerial reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. When his observation helicopter flew over a large force of heavily armed Viet Cong and began to receive intense automatic weapons fire, Specialist Arthur immediately returned the fire and denied the enemy access to a heavily fortified area. When armed helicopters arrived on station, Specialist Arthur, with complete disregard for his own safety, dropped smoke grenades to mark the location of the fleeing enemy. As a result of his effective fire on the enemy and his identification of their positions, 32 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers were killed and 11 weapons, a radio, and numerous documents and medical supplies were captured. Specialist Arthur’s personal bravery and devotion to duty under intense hostile fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” -The Ohio Military Hall of Fame

Born in Columbus in 1935, Arthur began his military career at age 13 with the Ohio National Guard. He later served with CIA forces in Cuba and rejoined the U.S. Army multiple times, including service during the Vietnam War. Following his military career, Arthur worked in law enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the FBI. He passed away in 2015.

The free exhibit featuring artifacts from the Motts Military Museum Inc. collection is on display in the south light court from Nov. 10, 2025 through July 31, 2026.

The Ohio Statehouse is open for visitors daily, except on state holidays. It will be closed on Veterans Day.

In addition to the “Flags of Honor” exhibit, the Ohio Statehouse and Capitol Square grounds feature numerous tributes to military service. Veterans Plaza, located along Third Street, will display 88 Ohio flags flying in observance of Veterans Day. Two granite walls feature excerpts from letters written by Ohioans during wartime, spanning from World War II to the first Gulf War.
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Contact:
Mike Rupert, Communications Manager
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
614-728-4185 ¦ mrupert@ohiostatehouse.org ¦ ohiostatehouse.org

Warren Motts, Founding Director
Motts Military Museum Inc.
5075 S. Hamilton Road
Groveport, Ohio 43125
614-836-1500 ¦ info@mottsmilitarymuseum.org ¦ mottsmilitarymuseuminc.com