Veterans Day

How to Commemorate Veterans Day in Kansas City

Discount Admission and Special Activities, Thursday, Nov. 11 — Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021

Click for calendar of events

Join us in honoring veterans with special activities, free public ceremonies on the grounds and free general admission for veterans and active duty military to the Museum and Memorial, Thursday, Nov. 11 – Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. In addition, general admission is half price for the public. Buy your tickets online.

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.

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

Veterans Day 2021

BRINGING THE MEMORIAL DEDICATION TO LIFE

When: Oct. 30-Nov. 30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn; Union Station
What: 100 years ago, on Nov. 1, 1921, more than 100,000 people gathered to see the supreme Allied commanders dedicate the site of the Liberty Memorial. See what the day looked like by scanning the QR codes located on signs scattered across the North Lawn and Union Station. Each QR code will show the viewer a photo or video taken from that exact location 100 years ago. FREE to the public.

NOVEMBER SALUTE

When: Nov. 9-30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Museum Corridor
What: The Museum and Memorial is honored to host America250’s November Salute, a commemorative photo mosaic art installation honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. active duty military service members, reservists, guard members and veterans. Created by The People’s Picture, two giant floor-to-ceiling mosaics will be located inside the Museum on the corridor walls. The mosaics will feature over 3,500 photos each, from the Museum and Memorial collection and thousands of veterans portraits submitted by the public. Guests are invited to take photos and learn about some of those featured. Access to view the mosaics is free and available during operating hours. FREE to the public.

VINTAGE MILITARY VEHICLE DISPLAY

When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 13
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Southeast Lawn
What: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection. Availability subject to weather. FREE to the public.

VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY

When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 12-14
Where: Rectangular Drive outside the National WWI 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.

WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS

When: All Day; Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 11-14
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Memorial 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.

100 YEAR SITE DEDICATION CEREMONY

When: 8-8:15 a.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn (by the General's Wall near Pershing Ave.)
What: Join us for a symbolic recreation of the site dedication ceremony 100 years ago, with five representatives standing in for the five Allied commanders and their respective countries. FREE to the public.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

When: 10-11 a.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 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 from Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) David Clark. Special music will be performed by renowned singers Ben Gulley and Vanessa Thomas. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.

View the livestream of the ceremony, starting at 10 a.m. CT. Watch Video ›

CARS 4 HEROES CEREMONY

When: Noon; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn
What: For 25 years, Cars 4 Heroes has provided free, basic, reliable transportation to Veterans, First Responders and their families, who otherwise are not able to obtain transportation for themselves. Join us for a moving ceremony as the organization hands over the keys of 13 cars to deserving individuals, in honor of the 13 service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan.

NOVEMBER SALUTE CEREMONY

When: 1 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Museum Corridor
What: Representatives from the Museum and Memorial and America250 will gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the November Salute, a commemorative photo mosaic art installation honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans. FREE to the public.

WALK OF HONOR DEDICATION CEREMONY

When: 2 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 11
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Auditorium and Lobby
What: New Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony with keynote speaker Joseph Daniels, President and CEO of America250. The Walk of Honor is divided into three sections: bricks dedicated solely to those who served in World War I; bricks dedicated to veterans of any military service; and bricks that honor civilian friends, family or organizations. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.