Firing on the First World War’s Western Front ended on Nov. 11, 1918 at “the eleventh hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.” After four years of fighting, an eerie stillness fell across the battlefields of Europe. The next day, Allied commander Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch sent a message to the Allied Armies: “You have won the greatest battle in history and served the most sacred cause - the Liberty of the World.”

Celebrating the end of war soon turned to sober remembrance of all who were lost. Armistice Day, officially recognized by President Wilson in 1919, is still observed throughout the world with many stopping for a moment of silence at the 11th hour of this day to honor those who brought about the end of the “Great War.” Known as Remembrance Day in many countries, the poppy is commonly worn and remains the symbol of commemoration originating from Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.”

In 1954, after the return of veterans from both World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill rededicating Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and encouraged Americans to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor America’s veterans for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice.

 Admission to the Museum is free for veterans and active duty military personnel, while admission for the general public is half-price all weekend (Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12).

Veterans Day Weekend is supported by the Deluxe Corporation Foundation.

2017 VETERANS DAY WEEKEND EVENTS

FRIDAY, NOV. 10 & SUNDAY, NOV. 12

Museum Galleries Open: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

All Weekend: Hope 22 – this local photography project’s goal is to raise awareness about our country’s veteran suicide epidemic by showcasing stories of veterans through pictures taken by area photographers. The name of the project stems from a Veterans Affairs report indicating that, on average, 22 veterans are killed by suicide every day. Visit facebook.com/hope22kc to learn more.

All Weekend: Patrons may also view the special exhibitions Revolutions! 1917, Posters as Munitions and Images of the Great War: America Crosses the Atlantic and The World Remembers (closes Saturday, Nov. 11).

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

Museum Galleries Open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Day in the Life – Living History volunteers will be on site to share stories of the Great War era and make history come to life!

10 a.m.: Veterans Day Ceremony – Dignitaries including Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Kansas City Mayor Sly James and others are expected for a free public Veterans Day Ceremony in J.C. Nicholas Auditorium with a keynote address from Major General Maria R. Gervais, Deputy Commanding General, Combined Arms Center. The ceremony also features performances from The American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City Wind Ensemble, the Regency Place Special Chorus, a presentation of colors from Whiteman Air Force Base and a Benediction/Invocation by Chaplain Major Insoon G. Hoagland.

2 p.m.: Walk of Honor Ceremony – nearly 100 new Walk of Honor bricks will be dedicated during the moving ceremony in J.C. Nichols Auditorium featuring a performance from acclaimed vocalist and veteran Ron Gutierrez.

2 p.m.: Hands-on History – history is brought to life during this family-friendly program, where kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts at a display inside the Main Gallery.