As the commemoration of the centennial of World War I (2014-19) continues, The National World War I Museum and Memorial will honor veterans and active-duty military members with free admission during Veterans Day Weekend, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13, and half-price admission for the general public. A slate of events and activities are planned, including a free, public ceremony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
To continue the nearly 100-year tradition of wearing a poppy on Veterans Day as a universal symbol of sacrifice, remembrance, and resilience, the Museum will virtually “share a poppy” with the public via its social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Inspired by John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Field,” Moina Michael decided to wear a red poppy in honor of veterans. She began the U.S. custom of selling the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy in November 1918, a practice soon adopted by other nations around the world. The poppy emblem was chosen because of the poppies that bloomed across the most war-torn battlefields of Flanders in World War I. The poppy is intended to inspire the world to return to peace after the “war to end all wars” and serves as a perpetual tribute to those who have served.
Veterans Day Weekend at the National World War I Museum and Memorial is supported through the generosity of the Jackson County Executive, Jackson County Legislature, the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Mo., and KFKF.
Details about Veterans Day Weekend events and activities are below:
Discount Admission
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Where: National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military personnel; half-price admission for the general public.
10% Off Museum Store Poppy-Related Items
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Where: National World War I Museum and Memorial and Museum Store Website
What: Rich in symbolism and remembrance, the poppy is synonymous with honoring those who served on Veterans Day. During Veterans Day Weekend, all poppy-related items will be discounted 10% in the Museum Store (online and in-store). With dozens of items ranging from beautiful Peggy Karr glassware to commemorative mementos to poppy seeds – the Museum offers gifts for people of all ages and interests.
Disabled American Veterans/Red Racks Donation Drive
When: Friday, Nov. 11 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: In honor of Veterans Day, Red Racks – owned and operated by the Disabled American Veterans – is hosting a donation drive by providing donation bags to guests. Accepted items include household goods, toys, clothing, etc.
Society of the Fifth Division
When: Friday, Nov. 11 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: The organization will offer an informational display as well as complimentary pins honoring Vietnam veterans.
Veterans Day Ceremony
When: 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: A formal program free to the public includes:
- Expected dignitaries include Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Sly James (a former U.S. Marine), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and Mo. State Senator Ryan Silvey
- Keynote address from Col. Norma J. Bradford, Assistant Chief of Staff at the Army Reserve Affairs Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth
- Musical performances from the Kansas City Symphony Chorus and The American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City Wind Ensemble
- Presentation of colors from the Missouri National Guard
- Benediction/Invocation by Chaplain Col. Barbara Sherer
Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony
When: 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Nearly 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony.
Complimentary Tours
When: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:20, 2:30, Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 12-13
Where: Start at Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
What: Explore the Main Gallery with one of our knowledgeable Museum Guides on a tour (RSVP required)
Hands-on-History
When: 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 12
Where: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
What: History is brought to life during this family-friendly program, where kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts.
Veterans Pen Celebration
When: 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Celebrating 70 years of service, the Veterans Voices Writing Project invites the public to attend a program featuring veteran/author Lou Eisenbrandt (“Vietnam Nurse: Mending and Remembering”) and the production “Voices of Veterans – 70 Years of Writing” from Arts & AGEing KC.
John McCutcheon in Concert
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Folk musician John McCutcheon performs songs from his expansive catalog live in this one night only Veterans Day holiday event as he presents music, stories and remembrances. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar and small plates will be available. Tickets are $25 for the public and $22 for Museum and Cross Current Members. Tickets are available at theworldwar.org
Hesburgh Lecture – The 1916 Rising: Therapy for Ireland?
When: 2 p.m., Sunday, November 13
Where: Kansas City Irish Center
What: Notre Dame Professor of History Rory Rapple examines the context in which the 1916 Rising took place and the logic behind the actions of the rebels who were responsible for what contemporaries called “The Crazy Rebellion.”
Veterans Day Weekend Hours and Parking
The National World War I Museum and Memorial will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day) and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12-13. To accommodate expected high attendance on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), a parking shuttle service is available from the West Yards Garage at Union Station (parking fees apply).