Contact: Karis Erwin, National WWI Museum and Memorial, (816) 888-8122, kerwin@theworldwar.org
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In commemoration of Veterans Day, the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. To recognize these men and women, admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel from Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11. General admission for the public is half-price.
Visitors celebrating Veterans Day at the Museum and Memorial will be some of the first to view three new exhibits in the Main Gallery – a field hospital, new and immersive crater and updates to the FT-17 Renault Tank. These Main Gallery exhibits open on Thursday, Nov. 7.
- A new, fully-themed display will give guests a peek into the workings of a field hospital and the realities and innovations of battlefield medicine during WWI. The field hospital, evocative of a bombed-out church that would have been repurposed for treating the wounded, will draw in guests to further investigate the scene. As the guest approaches the display, they are presented with stories from WWI, interactive displays and a visual representation of the chaos in a working field hospital. One scene, inspired by John Singer Sargent’s painting, “Gassed,” shows a line of soldiers blinded by a gas attack following an uninjured guide into the field hospital for treatment.
- A newly-produced immersive film will be projected onto the inner surface of a recreated battle crater, allowing visitors to access deeply affecting scenes that graphically depict the horrific reality of WWI artillery. Using narration, light and sound, guests’ senses will be heightened by what they see, hear and feel.
- The Renault FT17 Tank will be repositioned for a more complete view, including the ability to see real-life battle damage on its side. Guests will be able to inspect the tank up close, only separated by an exhibit rail featuring associated content, artifact cases and interactive media monitors. At two interactive stations, guests will learn more about the Renault FT17 through a 3D model of the tank. Onscreen buttons will let users rotate the model to examine it from all angles and even view inside the tank.
The final update to the Main Gallery, Encounters, will open in spring 2025 and features 16 immersive and interactive stories from first-hand WWI accounts.
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: Friday-Monday, Nov. 8-11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Veterans Day weekend through research stations at the Museum. With access to multiple databases – including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission and the National Archives – discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. FREE to the Public.
VINTAGE MILITARY VEHICLE DISPLAY
When: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 9-10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Southeast Lawn
What The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection. Availability subject to weather. FREE to the Public.
VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY
When: Saturday-Monday, Nov. 9-11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: U-shaped drive outside the Museum and Memorial
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. FREE to the Public.
WARRIOR POSE: YOGA WITH VETERANS
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 8:45 a.m.
Where: Glass Bridge
What: Founded in 2010, the Veterans Yoga Project offers restorative self-regulating practices to help veterans, service members and military families recover from PTS(D). Bring a mat and a friend for a low-impact regimen that quiets the mind and develops flexibility for any level of fitness. Participants will each receive a free bottle of cold-pressed juice from Ruby Jean's Juicery. Regardless of military service status or yoga knowledge, all are welcome. Free with RSVP.
CHILDREN'S STORY TIME: “WHERE THE POPPIES NOW GROW”
When: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 10:30 a.m.
Where: Auditorium Lobby
What: A yearly tradition across the world is to wear poppy pins on Armistice Day – known in the U.S. as Veterans Day. Why is this flower so important? Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, join Museum and Memorial educators for a family-friendly craft and reading of “Where the Poppies Now Grow,” a WWI story for young audiences by Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey. Hosted in conjunction with the exhibition The Little War. Free with RSVP.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.
Where: Auditorium and Lobby
What: Join us for a moving ceremony honoring our nation’s veterans. The formal public program will include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address, as well as special music. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the Public.
This year's keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Larry Watkins, Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa.
MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY PIN
When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to a friend! If you miss the craft table before it closes, you can make your own poppy at home with this Cut-Out Poppy or the instructions for this 3D Poppy. FREE to the Public.
SUNSET SALUTE: VETERANS DAY CONCERT
When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Memorial Courtyard
What: Start off Kansas City Navy Week with an outdoor concert with Navy Band Great Lakes. Bring a chair (and a friend) to enjoy the fanfare of the Premier Navy Brass Band and Woodwind Quintet. Learn more about Navy Week here. FREE to the Public.
About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.