Veterans Day

How to Commemorate Veterans Day in Kansas City

Discount Admission and Special Activities, Friday, Nov. 8 — Monday, Nov. 11, 2019

View 2019's Schedule 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, Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. In addition, general admission is half price for the public all weekend.

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 Weekend Activities

WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS

When: All Day, Friday-Monday, Nov. 8-11
Where: R.A. Long Education Center inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Veterans Day weekend through research stations. With access to multiple databases including, Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission,Veterans Legacy Memorial 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: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday-Sunday, Nov. 8-10
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial Rectangular Drive
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for display. Guests are welcome to inspect the helicopter, take photos and even climb inside! FREE to the public.

WW1USA AMATEUR RADIO STATION

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial West Lobby
What: 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. Individuals are welcome to serve as a guest operator of WW1USA at any time, with all receiving a special amateur radio operator certificate.

HANDS-ON HISTORY

When: 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Near Paul Sunderland Bridge inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: History is brought to life during this family-friendly program, where kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. FREE to the public.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

When: 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium and Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Join us for a moving ceremony featuring dignitaries, special musical performances and a keynote address from Dr. Pellom McDaniels III, former Kansas City Chiefs star and current Curator of the African American Collections at the Rose Library at Emory University. FREE to the public.

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

WALK OF HONOR DEDICATION CEREMONY

When: 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: More than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. 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. Walk of Honor bricks are dedicated twice each year during Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. FREE to the public.

View the livestream of the ceremony, starting at 2 p.m. CST. Watch Video ›

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

The Vietnam War: 1945-1975

Where: Wylie Gallery
What: More than 40 years after its conclusion, the Vietnam War remains one of the most controversial events of the 20th century. How did the conflict begin? Why did it begin? What are the connections between the war and its confounding cousin, World War I? From perspectives covering both the home front and the war front, The Vietnam War: 1945-1975 explores themes of patriotism, duty and citizenship through a remarkable collection of objects, documents, photographs and more. Opens Friday, Nov. 8.

1919: Peace?

Where: Exhibit Hall
What: The World War I Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918 ended fighting on the Western Front, but the war did not end even with the signing of the Treaty of Paris at Versailles on June 28, 1919. The world of aristocrats and monarchs vaporized. Millions died. Russia struggled in civil war. Japan’s power in Asia and the Pacific grew. Germany wilted under harsh reparations. Arab nations seethed for independence. The U.S. assumed an uneasy mantle of world leader. This special exhibition examines how the war transformed the world, but left a legacy of unresolved issues and conflict.

Etched in Memory

Where: Ellis Gallery
What: World War I ushered in a wave of devastation unlike anything humankind had ever experienced. This path of destruction included countless historically significant buildings and cathedrals. Etched in Memory features color etchings by British artist James Alphege Brewer depicting iconic structures from Belgium and Northern France that were threatened or damaged during the battles of the Great War.

Devastated Lands

Where: Memory Hall
What: World War I left behind an unprecedented path of desolate landscapes. By the end of the war, much of the Western Front resembled anything but rolling countryside. Instead, the destruction yielded topography akin to an uninhabited planet. This exhibition examines the battered lands through a series of jarring photographs and illustrations from the Museum and Memorial’s collection.

VETERANS DAY WEEKEND HOURS AND PARKING

The National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday. To accommodate expected high Veterans Day Weekend attendance, additional parking will be available on the Southeast Lawn of the complex (weather permitting).