As the commemoration of the centennial of World War I (2014-2019) continues, the National World War I Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — the nation.
To recognize these men and women, admission to the museum and memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel, while general admission for the public is half-price, throughout the Veterans Day weekend, now through Monday, Nov. 11. The museum is near Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.
To observe Veterans Day, the museum and memorial will offer a variety of events for people of all ages, including the debut of the acclaimed traveling exhibition The Vietnam War: 1945-1975. The exhibition is on its final tour stop. The World War I Museum in Kansas City is the only location west of the Mississippi to showcase this exhibit.
The museum and memorial will hold a free, public Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, featuring a keynote address from Dr. Pellom McDaniels III, former Kansas City Chiefs player who now serves as the faculty curator of the African American Collections and assistant professor of African American Studies at Rose Library at Emory University. The event will feature remarks from dignitaries including Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas as well as patriotic musical performances.
Support for Veterans Day is provided by Jackson County Executive and County Legislators, the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Missouri, and Weather or Not.
Veterans Day weekend activities:
The Vietnam War: 1945-1975 exhibition opens
When: Open now through Sunday, May 31, 2020
Where: Wylie Gallery inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: This highly acclaimed traveling exhibition, organized by the New-York Historical Society, opens at its final location.
Exploring the pivotal struggles felt both on the war front and the home front, The Vietnam War: 1945-1975 examines how the divisive war challenged democracy, citizenship, patriotism and the foundations of American life as well as the connections between the conflict and its confounding cousin, World War I.
World War I research stations – find your connection to World War I.
When: Now through Monday, Nov. 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, Veterans Legacy Memorial, 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: Now through Sunday, Nov. 8-10, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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.
Veterans Day ceremony
When: 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11
Where: Memorial Courtyard outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Join us for a moving ceremony featuring dignitaries such as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, 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.
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: Nearly 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony featuring a keynote address from Lt. Col. (ret.) Paul Darling. 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.
Veterans Day weekend hours and parking
The National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. To accommodate expected traffic on Memorial Day, additional parking will be available on the Southeast Lawn of the museum and memorial (weather permitting). Visitors are encouraged to allot additional time-consideration for parking during the weekend.
For more information, visit theworldwar.org.