Contacts: Elaina Boudreau, BELA Communications, (913) 660-0548, eboudreau@belapr.com; Mike Vietti, National WWI Museum and Memorial, (816) 888-8122, mvietti@theworldwar.org
Summary of Memorial Day Weekend Events
- Free General Admission for Veterans/Active Duty Military and half-price general admission for the public during Memorial Day Weekend (Friday-Monday, May 24-27)
- Find Your Connection to WWI — Research stations featuring Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum’s online collections database, records from the American Battlefield Monuments Commission records and the National Archives will help individuals find their personal connection to World War I (Friday-Monday, May 24-27)
- Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display — Installation of 140 U.S. flags in front of the Museum and Memorial will call attention to the 140 veterans lost to suicide every week (Friday-Monday, May 24-27)
- Letters of Support — Operation Gratitude will enable visitors to send letters of support to veterans, deployed soldiers, new recruits and first responders (Friday-Monday, May 24-27)
- Vintage Military Vehicle Display — Nearly 30 vehicles will be on the Museum and Memorial grounds from World War II, Korean War and Operation Desert Storm (Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and a Vietnam War-era “Huey” helicopter (Saturday-Monday, May 25-27; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Hands-on History — People of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts (Saturday, May 25; 11 a.m.)
- Wounded Warriors Family Support “High Five” Tour — On its national tour, the 2019 Ford-150 truck adorned with patriotic images and a Purple Heart will make a stop on the Museum grounds for visitors to sign the vehicle with messages of support for wounded veterans (Sunday-Monday, May 26-27; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Craft Your Own Poppy — Visitors can design their own poppy with felt pins and ornaments (Sunday, May 26; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Pancake Breakfast — benefits the National WWI Museum and Memorial (Monday, May 27; 9-11 a.m.)
- Memorial Day Ceremony — Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Kansas City Mayor Sly James expected for public ceremony in the Memorial Courtyard featuring musical performances from Nashville recording artist and Kansas City native Casi Joy (NBC’s “The Voice”) and a keynote address from U.S. World War I Centennial Commissioner Dr. Monique Seefried (Monday, May 27; 10 a.m.)
- Casi Joy Meet & Greet – Nashville recording artist and Kansas City native Casi Joy will be available to meet fans and auto(Monday, May 27; 12:30-1 p.m.)
- Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony — To commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a bell-tolling ceremony along with a presentation of colors and wreath laying to remember the bell rung every day in Kansas City during World War I (Monday, May 27; Noon)
- “Walk of Honor” Brick Dedication — More than 100 new bricks will be dedicated during ceremony featuring musical performances from Casi Joy (Monday, May 27; 2 p.m.)
- Museum Exhibitions – Visitors will have the opportunity to view recently opened special exhibitions: 1919: Peace?, We’re Home—Now What?, Color of Memory: Fabric Art of WWI and Devastated Lands.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As the commemoration of the Centennial of World War I (2014-19) continues, the National WWI 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 and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel, while general admission for the public is half-price all weekend (Friday-Monday, May 24-27).
The Museum and Memorial offers a wide variety of events during the weekend for people of all ages, including a free public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day featuring musical performances from Kansas City native Casi Joy (recording artist from NBC’s “The Voice”) and a keynote address from U.S. World War I Centennial Commissioner Dr. Monique Seefried. Support for Memorial Day is provided by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Mo., and 810 WHB.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
FLAGS OF FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS DISPLAY
When: All Day; Friday-Monday, May 24-27
Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that every 72 minutes, a service member takes his or her own life. This moving display of 140 U.S. flags calls attention to the fact that 140 veterans are lost to suicide every week. FREE to the public.
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: All Day; Friday-Monday, May 24-27
Where: Outside J.C. Nichols 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.
LETTER WRITING
When: All Day; Friday-Monday, May 24-27
Where: Outside Wylie Gallery inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Just as in World War I, letters help remind those who serve of home. In support of Operation Gratitude, write a letter to our veterans, deployed troops, new recruits and first responders. FREE to the public.
FOOD TRUCKS
When: Times Vary; Saturday-Monday, May 25-27
Where: Southeast Lawn outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Fantastic Kansas City food trucks CoffeeCakeKC (Saturday & Monday, 9-11:30 a.m.) and Detroit Coney (Saturday-Monday, Noon – 3 p.m.) will offer delicious food during Memorial Day Weekend. Availability subject to weather.
VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday-Monday, May 25-27
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 display. FREE to the public.
VINTAGE MILITARY VEHICLE DISPLAY
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26
Where: Southeast Lawn outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display more than 20 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.
HANDS-ON HISTORY
When: 11 a.m.; Saturday, May 25
Where: Near Paul Sunderland Bridge inside the National WWI 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. FREE to the public.
WOUNDED WARRIORS FAMILY SUPPORT HIGH FIVE TOUR VEHICLE DISPLAY
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday-Monday, May 26-27
Where: South Walkway Entrance, Walk of Honor Section at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: During an eight-month tour, a mobility-equipped 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor truck adorned with a patriotic theme and a Purple Heart on its hood will travel thousands of miles across the United States before being donated to a combat wounded veteran. People of all walks of life are invited and encouraged to show their support for our combat wounded veterans and their families by making a donation and signing the tour vehicle with a message of support. FREE to the public.
CRAFT YOUR OWN POPPY
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Sunday, May 26
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Commemorate Memorial Day by creating your own felt poppy pin or ornament in this family-friendly craft experience. FREE to the Public.
BANK OF AMERICA CELEBRATION AT THE STATION
When: 3 p.m.; Sunday, May 26 (concert begins at 8 p.m.)
Where: North Lawn outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Kick off your summer with the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest. The Kansas City Symphony, led by Music Director Michael Stern, performs patriotic favorites against the backdrop of Kansas City's historic Union Station. Celebration at the Station concludes with a fireworks display over the Liberty Memorial at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. FREE to the public.
NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL BENEFIT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
When: 9-11 a.m.; Monday, May 27
Where: Over There Café inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Enjoy some flapjacks (with hashbrowns and sausage/bacon) in a unique setting during a pancake feed with proceeds benefiting the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The meals are $11 for adults and $6 for children (12 and under) and include a beverage.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
When: 10-11 a.m.; Monday, May 27
Where: Memorial Courtyard outside the National WWI 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 and Missouri Mayor Sly James (a former U.S. Marine), a keynote address from U.S. World War I Centennial Commissioner Dr. Monique Seefried, musical performances from Casi Joy (recording artist from NBC’s “The Voice”), USAF Staff Sgt. Paula Hunt and the USAF of Mid-America Hot Brass Band and much more. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
MEMORIAL DAY BELL TOLLING CEREMONY
When: Noon; Monday, May 27
Where: Memorial Courtyard outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: We commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a bell tolling ceremony featuring a presentation of colors, a wreath laying and a moving reading. The bell used for this ceremony was originally located at a federal building in downtown Kansas City and was rung daily by the Daughters of the American Revolution during U.S. involvement in WWI (1917-1918). It was also tolled 11 times at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1926 during the dedication ceremony of the Liberty Memorial and again on Nov. 11, 2018 to commemorate the centennial of the WWI armistice. FREE to the public.
CASI JOY MEET & GREET
When: 12:30-1 p.m.; Monday, May 27
Where: Memorial Courtyard outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Renowned entertainer and Kansas City native Casi Joy (from NBC’s “The Voice”) returns to her hometown for a meet and greet/fan signing event between moving performances at the Memorial Day Ceremony (10 a.m.) and the Walk of Honor Ceremony (2 p.m.). Items will be available for purchase or fans are welcome to bring their own items. FREE to the public.
WALK OF HONOR DEDICATION CEREMONY
When: 2 p.m.; Monday, May 27
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: More than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony featuring musical performances from Kansas City native Casi Joy. 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. Walk of Honor bricks are dedicated twice each year during Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. FREE to the public.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND HOURS AND PARKING
The National WWI 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. To accommodate expected high Memorial Day weekend attendance, additional parking will be available on the Southeast lawn of the complex (weather permitting).
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.