Kansas City Welcomes Veterans with a Weekend of Remembrance and Excitement
Kansas City, Mo. — This weekend, the World War I Museum and Memorial is inviting everyone to come together in a heartfelt celebration for our veterans! In honor of Veterans Day, the museum is rolling out the red carpet with free admission for veterans and military personnel, while offering half-price tickets to the general public.
Those eager to visit the museum will be among the first to experience three amazing new exhibits that promise to take you back in time and immerse you in the stories of World War I. Among these new offerings is an immersive crater exhibit, a fully revamped FT-17 Renault Tank, and an emotional display portraying a field hospital set inside a bombed-out church, a scene that was all too common during the war.
A Journey Through History
The field hospital exhibit is particularly poignant, featuring hundreds of historic photographs and stories that highlight the brutal realities faced by medical personnel during the First World War. The museum has gone above and beyond to make this exhibit as realistic as possible. Re-enactors, dressed in period-accurate attire, have posed for stunning 3D imaging technology, capturing the raw emotions of doctors and nurses caring for injured soldiers.
“We want people to connect with history on a personal level,” explained Karis Erwin, the Vice President of Marketing and Guest Services. “Our re-enactors show raw human emotion, allowing visitors to relate to the struggles faced during this tumultuous time.”
Veterans Day Activities to Remember
The festivities don’t stop there either! The museum has lined up an exciting schedule of activities designed to honor our veterans and engage the community. Here’s the rundown of what you can look forward to:
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World War I Research Stations
Date: Friday, Nov. 8 – Monday, Nov. 11
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the Museum and Memorial
Cost: Free
Discover your family’s connection to World War I with access to multiple databases. -
Vintage Military Vehicle Display
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 10
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Southeast Lawn
Cost: Free
Check out vintage military vehicles from various conflicts. -
Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 10
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: U-shaped drive outside the Museum and Memorial
Cost: Free
Climb aboard this iconic helicopter! -
Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Monday, Nov. 11
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Auditorium and Lobby
Cost: Free
A solemn ceremony honoring our veterans with dignitary speeches and special music. -
Make Your Own Poppy Pin
Date: Monday, Nov. 11
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
Cost: Free
Craft your own poppy pin to honor veterans. -
Sunset Salute: Veterans Day Concert
Date: Monday, Nov. 11
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Memorial Courtyard
Cost: Free
Enjoy a lively outdoor concert featuring the Navy Band Great Lakes.
Mark your calendars, Kansas City! This weekend is all about recognizing and appreciating our veterans while delving deep into the history that shaped our world. Plus, stay tuned for the upcoming opening in the spring, featuring the exhibit titled “Encounters”, which will offer even more immersive WWI accounts.
Let’s come together to celebrate our heroes and embrace the stories that connect us all!
