The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City has big plans for Memorial Day weekend, with free general admission for veterans and active-duty military and half-price general admission for the public. There also will be a number of special events throughout the holiday weekend.
World War I Research Stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside the auditorium lobby. Visitors can find their connection to World War I through research stations at the museum. With access to multiple databases—including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, and the museum’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission, and the National Archives—guests can discover how the Great War affected their family.
The Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display runs Monday and Tuesday along the walkway terrace near the main entrance. This moving display of 140 U.S. flags calls attention to the fact that 140 veterans are lost to suicide every week.
The Honoring Service Flag Display, from Friday through Monday on the mall and southeast lawn, features flags representing the involvement of U.S. military divisions in the WWI, WWII, Korean, and Vietnam wars, as well as other more recent military conflicts. Unit colors, originally used to mark location through the smoke of battle, now have symbolic meaning, embodying the history and heart of each unit.
Warrior Pose: Yoga with Veterans begins at 8:45 a.m. Saturday on the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge. The Veterans Yoga Project offers restorative self-regulating practices to help veterans, service members, and military families recover from PTSD. Participants will take part in a low-impact regimen that quiets the mind and develops flexibility for any level of fitness.
“Sheepdog” Film Screening and Discussion is at 1 p.m. Saturday in the auditorium. Inspired by real stories of redemption and recovery, “Sheepdog” follows one combat veteran’s journey toward healing. After the screening, join a discussion with writer-director Steven Grayhm and co-star Matt Dallas.
The Military Vehicle Display is open Saturday and Sunday on the southeast lawn. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. Members will be available to answer questions about their collection.
The Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display takes place Saturday and Sunday on the U-shaped drive. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect.
WW1USA Amateur Radio Station is active from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday on the southeast lawn. The Museum and Memorial is teaming with area amateur radio operators to host special event station WW1USA. During this time, station operators will contact hundreds of other amateur radio operators across the world.
The Memorial Day Ceremony is at 10 a.m. Monday in the Memorial Courtyard. This formal public program will include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Major General (Ret.) William Razz Waff, who served for 39 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve and retired as Department of the Army Deputy G1 and Chairman of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony.
The Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony is at noon Monday in the Memorial Courtyard. Commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a bell-tolling ceremony featuring a presentation of colors, wreath laying, and a moving reading. The bell was 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.
The Walk of Honor Dedication is at 2 p.m. Monday. New Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. The Walk of Honor includes bricks dedicated to those who served in World War I, to veterans of any military service, and bricks honoring civilian friends, family, or organizations. Bricks are dedicated each year during a Memorial Day ceremony.
Trees of Remembrance opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday on the glass bridge. Commemorate the service and memory of a fallen soldier by adding their name to a poppy blossom, displayed on the branches of the Trees of Remembrance.
For more information, visit www.theworldwar.org.
–Alan Goforth
