National World War I Museum plans full slate of Memorial Day events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial has planned a slate of 2023 Memorial Day weekend events, giving honor and special recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.

Admission to the museum and memorial is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel, while general admission for the public is half-price all weekend (Friday-Monday, May 26-29). Effective in 2023, the military discount is now extended to spouses and dependents with ID. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the newly opening lower level featuring the Bergman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, as well as the new exhibition Mail Call.

The museum and memorial offers events all weekend for people of all ages, including a free public ceremony at 10 am Central time on Memorial Day with local dignitaries and a keynote address from Lieutenant General (Ret.) John “J.T.” Thomson. Support for the Memorial Day events is provided by the Veterans United Home Loans, Jackson County of Missouri, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF), Weather or Not, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Evergy.

Memorial Day Weekend Activities

Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display
When: Monday, May 15 – Monday, May 29
Where: Walkway Terrace near the main entrance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that every 72 minutes, a service member takes their own life. This moving display of 140 U.S. flags calls attention to the fact that 140 veterans are lost to suicide every week. This display is free to the public.

Remembering Our Fallen Memorial
When: Thursday, May 25 – Monday, May 29
Where: Memorial Courtyard
What: Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial that honors U.S. military lost during the Global War on Terrorism (2001-2021). Created by Nebraska-based Patriotic Productions, the memorial includes both military and personal photos. This display is free to the public.

Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display
When: Friday, May 26 – Monday, May 29
Where: The U-shaped drive outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. This display is free to the public.

Military Vehicle Display
When: Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, May 28
Where: Southeast Lawn
What: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection. Its availability is subject to weather conditions. This display is free to the public.

Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Monday, May 29, 10 am Central time
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard
What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lt. General (Ret.) John “J.T.” Thomson. Thomson served more than 34 years across the globe in the U.S. Army, including six combat deployments. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. This event is free to the public.

Complimentary Concert: Frederick Hodges
When: Monday, May 29, 11:30 am Central time
Where: Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
What: Frederick Hodges will play a 30-minute piano performance for those passing through the museum. His artistry, virtuosity and charisma have captivated audiences worldwide for decades.

Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony
When: Monday, May 29, Noon Central time
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard
What: Commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a bell tolling ceremony featuring a presentation of colors, a wreath laying and a moving reading. It was also tolled 11 times at 11 am on Nov. 11, 1926 during the dedication ceremony of the Liberty Memorial and again on Nov. 11, 2018 to commemorate the centennial of the WWI armistice. This event is free to the public.

Walk of Honor Dedication
When: Monday, May 29, 2 pm Central time
Where: Walk of Honor
What: 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 each year during a Memorial Day ceremony. This event is free to the public.

Absent from Anzac: The Story of an Australian Nurse at War
When: Monday, May 29, 3:30 pm Central time
Where: Auditorium
What: In commemorating on Memorial Day the millions of soldiers who fought in WWI, these honors also acknowledge the service of the volunteers and nurses who assisted them on the front lines and in the hospitals. In this documentary, Drs. Bruce Scates and Melanie Oppenheimer from Australian National University discuss the compelling and almost-forgotten legacy of Australian nurse Sister Narrelle Hobbes, who served Allied soldiers in the Mediterranean and Asia during the Great War.

World War I Research Stations
When: During Museum hours, 10 am-5 pm Central time
Where: Outside the Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: Find your connection to World War I during Memorial Day weekend through research stations at the museum. With access to multiple databases including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the National World War I Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission and the National Archives, discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. This event is free to the public.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 am – 5 pm Central time Friday-Sunday and from 9 am – 5 pm Central time on Monday, May 29, Memorial Day. Visitors are encouraged to allot additional time 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, dialog 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.