The Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument on Public Square has released its spring calendar with new and returning events—beginning with the popular Tunnel Tours in April and concluding with a Memorial Day observance in May.

The events are meant to offer insight into the architecture of the monument and pay tribute to the men and women of Cuyahoga County who served during the Civil War and continue to serve today.

• The popular annual Tunnel Tours will be held on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, April 3 at 10 a.m. on the Monument’s website. Tickets are $5 per person. Visitors can also wait standby for any daily tours.

  Tours last approximately 30 minutes and include a guided walk-through of the Monument’s tunnels. There will be guest speakers in the Memorial Room. All proceeds and donations during the event support Monument programming.

• The third annual Veterans’ Mental Health Fair will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Public Square outside of the Monument. The event is free and open to the public and will host regional organizations that help with veterans’ mental health.
• New this year, a dedication ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. for the Monument’s new Harvey the Civil War Dog statue. Harvey was a mascot of the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (nicknamed “The Barking Dog Regiment”) who after the Civil War emotionally supported Captain Daniel M. Stearns as he suffered and lived with what is currently recognized as PTSD.

  Service dogs, emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and other four-legged friends are invited to the statue dedication.

• On Decoration Day, Friday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument will host its Memorial Day service. Remarks will be made by a local veteran on the Monument’s northwest steps, and the Monument will be open until 5:30 p.m. for tours of the Memorial Room. This event is also free and open to the public.

“Spring is a busy time at the Soldiers’ & Sailors Monument, and we’re always excited to showcase the tunnels and honor our veterans” Greg Palumbo, Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument executive director said in a statement. “Many people are unaware that they can visit the Monument year-round, and we encourage them to do so.”