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 Thursday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 14. General admission for the public is half-price.
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES
100 YEAR SITE DEDICATION CEREMONY
When: 8-8:15 a.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn (by the General's Wall near Pershing Ave.)
What: Join us for a symbolic recreation of the site dedication ceremony 100 years ago, with five representatives standing in for the five Allied commanders and their respective countries. FREE to the public.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: 10-11 a.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 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 from David Clark. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
CARS 4 HEROES CEREMONY
When: Noon; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn
What: For 25 years, Cars 4 Heroes has provided free, basic, reliable transportation to Veterans, First Responders and their families, who otherwise are not able to obtain transportation for themselves. Join us for a moving ceremony as the organization hands over the keys of 13 cars to deserving individuals, in honor of the 13 service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
WALK OF HONOR DEDICATION CEREMONY
When: 2 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Auditorium and Lobby
What: New Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony with keynote speaker Joseph Daniels, President and CEO of America250. The Walk of Honor is divided into three sections: bricks dedicated solely to those who served in World War I; bricks dedicated to veterans of any military service; and bricks that honor civilian friends, family or organizations. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
ONGOING AND WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: All Day; Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 11-14
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Memorial 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.
VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 12-14
Where: Rectangular Drive outside the National WWI 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.
VINTAGE MILITARY VEHICLE DISPLAY
When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 13
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 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.
BRINGING THE MEMORIAL DEDICATION TO LIFE
When: Oct. 30-Nov. 30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn; Union Station
What: 100 years ago, on Nov. 1, 1921, more than 100,000 people gathered to see the supreme Allied commanders dedicate the site of the Liberty Memorial. See what the day looked like by scanning the QR codes located on signs scattered across the North Lawn and Union Station. Each QR code will show the viewer a photo or video taken from that exact location 100 years ago. FREE to the public.
NOVEMBER SALUTE
When: Nov. 9-30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, MUSEUM CORRIDOR
What: The Museum and Memorial is honored to host America250’s November Salute, a commemorative photo mosaic art installation honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. active duty military service members, reservists, guard members and veterans. Created by The People’s Picture, two giant floor-to-ceiling mosaics will be located inside the Museum on the corridor walls. The mosaics will feature over 3,500 photos each, from the Museum and Memorial collection and thousands of veterans portraits submitted by the public. Guests are invited to take photos and learn about some of those featured. Access to view the mosaics is free and available during operating hours. FREE to the public.
Support for Veterans Day is provided by Jackson County Executive and County Legislators, The City of Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) and Weather or Not.
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.