Kansas City Memorial Day Events to Combine Music and Remembrance Celebrations

Music and Remembrance: Kansas City Events to Celebrate Memorial Day

Published April 30, 2024

Kansas City looks forward to an eventful Memorial Day weekend filled with music, entertainment, and solemn remembrance. With a diverse line-up celebrating both the national holiday and local talent, this year’s Memorial Day activities are set to resonate with locals and visitors alike.

The Tradition of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, initially called “Decoration Day,” sprang from the ashes of the devastating Civil War. Its purpose was to honor the fallen soldiers by adorning their graves with flowers. First marked in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremonies have evolved throughout the years to honor all military personnel who lost their lives in service. As per historical accounts, music was an integral part of the inaugural ceremony, a tradition that carries on to present. This year Kansas City is ready to further this legacy.

Kansas City Symphony’s Annual Celebration at the Station

The city’s annual “Celebration at the Station,” a family-friendly outdoor extravaganza held at Union Station, is one of the major highlights of the Memorial Day weekend. The Kansas City Symphony, performing patriotic classics and Americana, has been a fundamental part of this tradition since 2003. This year will mark the final Memorial Day performance by Music Director Michael Stern who has led the orchestra at this event since 2006.

The evening will also feature performances by John Williams, Aaron Copland, and John Phillip Sousa, among others, coupled with more traditional Memorial Day classics, including Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” followed by a grand display of fireworks.

National World War I Museum and Memorial Ceremony

The National WWI Museum and Memorial, a place inherently connected with remembrance, privacy, and honor, will kick start the Memorial Day events with a public ceremony featuring a keynote speech by Lt. General (Ret.) Wendy M. Masiella and performance from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America Roots in Blue Rock Band.

A bell tolling ceremony, presentation of colors, a wreath laying, and readings will follow at noon. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their dependent spouses will enjoy free admission to the museum over the weekend, while the general public can gain entry for half price.

35th Infantry Division Band’s Recognition

Concerts by the 35th Infantry Division Band, part of the Kansas National Guard out of Fort Leavenworth, serve to bring military music to the region’s forefront. Unfortunately, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery is not open to the public.

The Memorial Day weekend in Kansas City is set to enthrall residents and visitors with a series of performances and ceremonies, encapsulating an ideal blend of entertainment, solemnity, and patriotism. As the city gears up to pay homage to fallen heroes, the participative musical program adds a unique charm to the proceedings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.