National WWI Memorial and Museum Honors Heroes Who Gave Their Lives
Kansas City Pays Homage to Its Fallen Heroes
On Memorial Day, the city of Kansas City, Missouri, pays significant homage to the military men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation at the National World War I Memorial and Museum. The memorial grounds served as a solemn gathering place for numerous families, friends, and citizens to remember and honor the departed.
The Bell of Remembrance
The Museum and Memorial were initially dedicated in 1926, and on that memorable day, a large bell was tolled 11 times. This tradition continued as the bell was tolled again at midday under the supervision of the museum’s president and CEO, Matthew Naylor, marking a profound moment of history and remembrance. Naylor detailed the significant history of the bell, explaining, “During World War I in 1917 and 1918 here in Kansas City in the Federal Building, a large bell was tolled every day. A tribute and a reminder to those who had left the region in either training camps or had been shipped off to Europe to fight for the cause of liberty.”
The tradition was revitalized on the centennial of WWI Armistice Day, November 18, 2018, and since then, they have tolled the bell 11 times on Memorial Day at noon.
The Walk of Honor
Another significant feature on the memorial grounds is the Walk of Honor, leading up to the Liberty Memorial. This pathway holds countless bricks inscribed with the names of individuals who served or hold a special tie to the museum. A poignant testament to their sacrifice, it serves as a physical manifestation of their memory.
Emphasizing the significance of these personal mementos, Naylor said, “What’s important to us is that we are the steward of those memories, and that they are placing bricks here on this ground, it becomes even more sacred and even a bigger responsibility for us to do the work of caring for these memories.”
First-Hand Visitor Experiences
One of the many visitors, Catherine Sieglen, shared her experience on this particular day, visiting the brick dedicated to her father who served in the military and now rests in a military cemetery in New Mexico. She said, “I just felt like I needed to come visit him today. Once I moved to Kansas City, and I realized that this place was here, especially after my Dad passed away – it’s been my area of tranquility.”
Concluding Thoughts
Memorial Day in Kansas City serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals for the cause of liberty and peace. The National World War I Memorial and Museum not only preserves the memory and the stories of the fallen, but it also provides a sacred space for individuals and families to connect, remember, and heal.
