Join us in honoring veterans with special activities and a free public ceremony on the grounds.

 

On Veterans Day, Americans are encouraged to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor the nation’s veterans for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. The Museum and Memorial hosts commemoration events every November, highlighting the connections between Veterans Day and World War I.

2026 Veterans Day Weekend

Friday, Nov. 6 - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026

(Closed on Tuesday, Nov. 10)

 

Admission discount: Free admission for veterans/active-duty military and half-price general admission for the public during Veterans Day Weekend.

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Modern photograph of three members of a color guard dressed in modern U.S. military uniforms, marching in a line. The one in the lead, carrying a U.S. flag, is a Black man.

2026 Veterans Day Events

World War I Research Stations

When: Friday-Wednesday, Nov. 6-11 | 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.

Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display

When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8
Where: U-shaped Drive
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.

Veterans Day Ceremony

When: Wednesday, 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.

Make Your Own Poppy Pin

When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Near the Glass Bridge
What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to a friend! 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.

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An adult woman and a younger girl craft poppy pins at a table while a Museum Volunteer looks on

Tips for Commemorating Veterans Day

From “8 Ways to Express Appreciation on Veterans Day,” courtesy of Military.com


  • Show Up – Attend a Veterans Day event in your area.
  • Donate – There a number of organizations that support veterans.
  • Fly a Flag – Not sure of the proper etiquette? Look here.
  • Ask Someone About their Service – Questions such as “What did you do in the military” and “How long did you serve” are great starting points.
  • Write – Send a postcard, letter or email.
  • Don’t Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day – Veterans Day is a time to thank people for their service. Memorial Day is meant to reflect on those who gave their lives during service.
  • Visit a VA Hospital – Many host special events on Veterans Day.
  • Get Outdoors with a Veteran – Admission to national parks is free for everyone on Veterans Day.

Learn more about the origins of Veterans Day

2026 Sponsors

 


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Kansas City Royals Foundation

 

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E&K Construction

 


GEHA

 


Hunt Family Foundation

 

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Logo of Jackson County Missouri

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

 

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VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars logo
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Weather or Not logo

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