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. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13. General admission for the public is half-price.
The weekend will kick-off with a 10 a.m. ceremony in the Museum and Memorial’s Auditorium to honor our nation’s veterans. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michelle D. Johnson will deliver the keynote address. Gen. Johnson served for 36 years of active duty. She was the first woman to lead a U.S. Department of Defense service academy as well as the Air Force Academy's first female Rhodes Scholar in her First Class Year. She has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Intelligence, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe; Air Force aide to the President; Wing Commander; and pilot. In addition to her distinguished military career, Johnson is also known for her role as former Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations for the National Basketball Association (NBA).
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES:
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: 10-11 a.m.; Friday, 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 Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michelle D. Johnson. Special music will be performed by the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: All Day; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI 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.
LETTER WRITING TO ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY
When: All Day; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Write a letter on special WWI-themed stationary to an active-duty service member. If you write to a specific service member you know, you are free to take the letter with you and mail it yourself; all letters not addressed to a specific person will be given to the charity A Million Thanks to be mailed. FREE to the public.
MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY CRAFT
When: 12-4 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 11
Where: Near the donor wall inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to the Museum and Memorial! 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.
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.