As the commemoration of the Centennial of World War I (2014-19) continues, the National World War I Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor and recognize the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving their country during Memorial Day weekend.
Admission to the Museum is free for veterans and active duty military personnel, while admission for the general public is half-price all weekend (Friday-Monday, May 27-30). The Museum offers nearly 10 events during the course of the weekend for people of all ages and interests, including a free public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day featuring former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Kansas City native General (Ret.) Richard Myers.
Free admission for veterans/active duty military personnel is made possible by Park University. Half-price admission on Saturday is courtesy of Lead Bank. Additional support for Memorial Day Weekend activities was provided by Armed Forces Insurance, the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Mo., and KFKF.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30
Where: Southeast Lawn at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for display. Free to the public.
Hands-on History
When: 11 a.m., Saturday, May 28
Where: Near Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: History is brought to life during this family-friendly program, where kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts.
Storytime: Poppies
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, May 28
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Inspired by John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields,” American Moina Michael gave rise to the use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Come hear her story and make your own poppy pin in this family friendly event. Free with RSVP.
Wounded Warriors Family Support High Five Tour Vehicle Display
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday May 29 – Monday, May 30
Where: South Walkway Entrance, Walk of Honor Section at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: During a four month tour, a 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 will travel more than 26,000 miles across the United States, traveling to more than 100 cities and making stops in 48 states. People of all walks of life are invited and encouraged to show their support for military families by signing the tour vehicles with a message of support. Free to the public.
Ruck March
When: 8 a.m., Monday, May 30
Where: North lawn at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: The Truman Chapter of the U.S. Field Artillery Association hosts a 10k Ruck March. A Ruck March, also called a “forced march” or a “hump,” involves walking at a fast clip over rugged terrain with a weighted backpack (suggested weight is 35 lbs.). Free for spectators.
National World War I Museum and Memorial Benefit Pancake Breakfast
When: 9-11 a.m., Monday, May 30
Where: Over There Café at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Enjoy some flapjacks (or biscuits and gravy!) in a unique setting during a pancake feed with proceeds benefiting the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The meals are $8 for adults and $5 for children and include a beverage.
Memorial Day Ceremony
When: 10-11 a.m., Monday, May 30
Where: Memorial Courtyard (in front of Memory Hall) at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: A formal public program to include:
- Remarks from dignitaries including U.S. Missouri Fifth District Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James (a former U.S. Marine) and Jackson County Executive Frank White
- Keynote address from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Kansas City native General (Ret.) Richard Myers
- Musical performances from the American Legion Band and vocalist Molly Hammer
- Honor Guard presentation from Whiteman Air Force Base
Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony
When: 2 p.m., Monday, May 30
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: More than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. Entertainment will include performances from the Lyric Opera performance group Veterans Who Love to Sing + Singers Who Love Veterans, remarks from Rear Admiral (Ret.) Stanton Thompson and former Arlington National Cemetery “Old Guard” member and former Director of The Army Center for Lessons Learned Colonel (Ret.) Thomas Roe.
The Walk of Honor, now more than 10,000 bricks strong, 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. Walk of Honor bricks are dedicated twice each year during Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.
Memorial Day Weekend Hours and Parking
The National World War I Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday. Due to the recent rains, parking will not be available on the Southeast Lawn of the Memorial. To accommodate expected high Memorial Day weekend attendance, a parking shuttle service will be available Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from the West Yards Garage at Union Station and on Monday, May 30 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.