Taps, a musical piece sounded at dusk and at funerals, has a rich and storied history in the United States. It has long been associated with the U.S. Military, and is often played at civilian events around the country.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial presents the annual Taps at the Tower with a new schedule this year.

2024 Taps at the Tower

Sunday, June 16

8:45 p.m.
Memorial Courtyard

Please join us for an honoring by Anella Garcia (Choctaw) and Dr. Charlotte McCloskey (Sicangu Lakota), granddaughters of Native American WWI veterans. At the centennial of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, we are honored to host this honoring to commemorate the service and achievements of Native American veterans, especially the 12,000 who participated in World War I.

Monday, June 17

8:45 p.m.
Memorial Courtyard

Join us for a brief performance (10-15 minutes) from Kansas City St. Andrews Pipes and Drums. For over 60 years from the humble undercroft of St Andrews Church, the band has produced countless professional and Grade 1 pipers and drummers.

Tuesday, June 18

7:30 p.m.
South Plaza

A Kansas City Symphony string quartet will bring music to the Museum and Memorial in the Mobile Music Box: from classical standards to patriotic favorites. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and a picnic!

8:45 p.m.
Memorial Courtyard

Join us for a brief performance (10-15 minutes) from Kansas City Celtic Pipes and Drums. An all-volunteer nonprofit group, the band is committed to promoting the traditional bagpipe music of Scotland and Ireland.

People are invited to come and use the grounds each evening, have a picnic, play games and enjoy the outdoors. At sunset (8:45 p.m.), people will gather at the Liberty Memorial Tower to experience Taps being played during a brief, moving ceremony.

The event will occur rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Paul Sunderland Bridge inside the Museum and Memorial.

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Modern photograph of a stone courtyard. Several people in civilian clothes are gathered around a person in military uniform. The military person is holding a large floral wreath.
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Modern photograph of the base of the Liberty Memorial Tower at twilight. A person in a dark jacket places a large floral wreath on a stand. Next to them, an older person observes while seated in a wheelchair being pushed by a man wearing a kilt.
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Modern photograph of a large band of people wearing kilts standing on Memorial Courtyard. They are playing a variety of drums and bagpipes. Onlookers take photos on them.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is a civic pillar in Kansas City, and is a point of pride to the people in the region. Rising from patriotic and citizen initiative, the Memorial is a gathering place for ceremonies and memorials that honor those who served the nation.

 

 

2024 Sponsors

 


This event is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

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NTDF Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund logo

Veterans of Foreign Wars

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Weather or Not logo