Free admission for Veterans/Active Duty Military Personnel & Half-Price General Admission for the Public All Weekend
Traveling Vietnam War Exhibition from the New-York Historical Society Opens Friday, Nov. 8 at the Museum and Memorial on its Last National Tour Stop
As the commemoration of the centennial of World War I (2014-19) continues, the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. 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 (Friday to Monday, Nov. 8 to 11, 2019).
To observe Veterans Day, the Museum and Memorial will offer a wide variety of events November 8 to 11 for people of all ages, including the debut of the acclaimed traveling exhibition The Vietnam War: 1945-1975. On its final tour stop, the Museum and Memorial is the only location west of the Mississippi to showcase the exhibition.
The Museum and Memorial will host 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 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, Mo., and Weather or Not.
VETERANS DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
THE VIETNAM WAR: 1945-1975 EXHIBITION OPENS
When: Opens Friday, Nov. 8 to 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. Exhibition images/captions are available for download here.
WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS – FIND YOUR CONNECTION TO WWI
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, 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: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 8-10, 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.
WW1USA AMATEUR RADIO STATION
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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.
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. – 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 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.
About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.