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. 12. General admission for the public is half-price.
Visitors celebrating Veterans Day at the Museum and Memorial will be some of the first to view four major upgrades to the Main Gallery. “Prologue: Grand Illusions,” “Interactive Touch Tables,” “America Mobilizes” and “Move 'Em Out and Bon Voyage” reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and feature new technology and stories showcasing the enduring impact of WWI. This phase of construction follows the recent renovation to the Lower Level that opened in May, featuring the Berman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, and precedes additional upgrades to the Main Gallery that will take place through 2025.
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES
IN CONVERSATION: VETERANS BENEFITS
When: Thursday, Nov. 9 | Reception 5:30 p.m., Panel 6:30 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: Join us for a reception and a panel discussion examining the myths and dispelling the rumors of veterans benefits, moderated by Lt. Col. (ret.) Nikki Dean. Whether a veteran, a family member or a member of the public who recognizes the importance of military service, we welcome your presence and support. Register for this free program
SABATON'S "THE WAR TO END ALL WARS - THE MOVIE" SCREENING
When: Friday, Nov. 10 | Reception 5:30 p.m., Film begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: An animated musical motion picture featuring songs from Sabaton’s album “The War to End All Wars,” the film’s screening is part of the Swedish heavy metal band’s worldwide museum project “History Rocks.” Register for this free program
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.
Where: 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, as well as special music. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
This year's keynote speaker is Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle Jr., Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
VIETNAM: A COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHER'S VIEW OF THE WAR, 1967-1968
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 1 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: Peek behind the lens of Vietnam veteran Chip Osborn, who led the U.S. Army Combat photographic team in telling stories from the rice paddies to the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, as he recounts his role of capturing history through images. Register for this free program
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the 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.
MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY CRAFT
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
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.
VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: U-shaped drive outside the Museum and Memorial
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. FREE to the public.
Support for Veterans Day is provided by the City of Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF), Evergy, Jackson County Executive and County Legislature, Veterans of Foreign Wars 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.