Memorial Day weekend events are planned this weekend at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
There is free admission to veterans and active-duty military, with half-price general admission to the public during Memorial Day weekend, through Monday, May 31.
A few of the highlights will include:
• Great Balloon Glow — Kick off the summer with the Great Balloon Glow. Enjoy picnicking, live music and food trucks on our 47 acres, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 30. There will be food available for purchase. Live music will be performed. Vendors of handmade items will be present.
• Memorial Day Ceremony — Free to the public, this annual ceremony will feature dignitaries and a keynote address from Lt. Col. Eric Jacobson at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31. Lt. Col. Jacobson was formerly director of medical operations at the Javits New York Medical Station, the temporary response to the city’s COVID-19 pandemic.
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• Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony — A bell-tolling ceremony, presentation of colors and wreath laying to remember the bell rung every day in Kansas City during World War I, at noon Monday, May 31. It is free and open to the public.
• Old Glory Flag Ceremony — Old Glory has participated in ceremonies throughout the United States and American outposts in several countries. The flag will be raised at the Museum and Memorial to honor all who served and sacrificed in World War I, at 12:15 p.m. Monday, May 31.
In addition, the public may view the 140 U.S. flags in front of the museum and memorial that call attention to the 140 veterans lost to suicide every week.
Also, 46 flags that represent the 43 units of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War I are on display, along with three flags representing four boats that were sunk with AEF troops aboard.
Individuals who visit the museum will be able to use research stations to help find personal connections to World War I through May 31.
Another event scheduled is the Walk of Honor brck dedication at 2 p.m. Monday, May 31.
Also, visitors will have the opportunity to view special museum exhibitions, include “”Why Keep That?,” “Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI,” “Votes and Voices,” and “100 Years of Collecting.”
The National World War I Museum and Memorial will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. Visitors are encouraged to allot additional time and thought for parking during the weekend.