Memorial Day Weekend Events to Honor Nation’s Fallen Heroes at the National World War I Museum May 24-26

News provided by

BELA Communications

May 20, 2014, 10:05 ET


Kansas City, Mo. (PRWEB) May 20, 2014 -- Summary of Memorial Day Weekend Events

  • Vintage military vehicle display of more than 30 vehicles from World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm (Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Landmark Reborn: The Restoration of Liberty Memorial, a lecture featuring architect and historic preservationist Susan Richards Johnson (Saturday, May 24; 1 p.m.)
  • Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and Mayor Sly James expected for public Memorial Day Ceremony in the Memorial Courtyard featuring National Anthem performance from mezzo-soprano Tara Cooper (Monday, May 26; 10 a.m.)
  • Free servings of new Blue Bell ice cream flavor “Red, White and Blue Bell” (Monday, May 26; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
  • Nearly 100 New “Walk of Honor” Bricks to be Dedicated During Ceremony featuring patriotic songs by U.S. Army Chorale member and Iraq veteran Ron Guiterrez and a presentation of all new honorees (Monday, May 26; 1 to 2 p.m.)
  • Special exhibitions “Over by Christmas: August-December 1914,” “On the Brink: A Month That Changed the World” and “Art of War: Political Humor” (All Weekend)

In the year marking the Centennial of World War I, there is no place more fitting to begin Memorial Day observances in Kansas City on Monday, May 26, than at the Memorial Day Ceremonies at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. To honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Museum will host a series of events during Memorial Day weekend:

Vintage Military Vehicle Display
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25
Where: Southeast Lawn of the National World War I Museum
What: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display nearly 30 vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Vehicles will include a rare Ford amphibious vehicle, a WWI Ford Model T Scout Car, a WWII half-ton truck with a mounted 40-millimeter anti-aircraft gun and a Hummer from Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection.

Landmark Reborn: The Restoration of the Liberty Memorial
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, May 24
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
What: President Calvin Coolidge declared the Liberty Memorial the nation's monument to the World War in 1926 and it has defined the Kansas City skyline since. Join a provocative conversation with architect and historic preservationist Susan Richards Johnson on the recent restoration and historic preservation of this beautiful landmark.

Memorial Day Ceremony
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, May 26
Where: Memorial Courtyard (in front of Memory Hall) at the National World War I Museum.
What: A formal public program to include:

  • Remarks from dignitaries including U.S. Missouri Fifth District Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II and Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James (a former U.S. Marine)
  • Placing the POW/MIA Chair Cover by retired Col. David Napoli (the POW/MIA chair cover is a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all foreign conflicts)
  • Placement of the Gold Star Wreath by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 21
  • National Anthem performance from mezzo-soprano Tara Cooper
  • Musical performances from the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City
  • While the ceremony is free to the public, regular admission prices apply to tour the Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, May 26
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
What: Nearly 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. Entertainment will include patriotic songs by former U.S. Army Chorale member and Iraq veteran Ron Guiterrez. The Walk of Honor, now more than 9,000 bricks strong, 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.

Memorial Day Hours and Parking
The National World War I Museum will be open on Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with discounted admission for active duty military and career retired military. To accommodate expected high Memorial Day attendance, free parking and a shuttle service will be available on May 26 from parking lots in Crown Center at Grand & 27th Streets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is the only American museum solely dedicated to examining the personal experiences of a war whose impact still echoes in the world today. The National World War I Museum holds the most diverse 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 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 located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National World War I Museum 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 http://www.theworldwar.org.

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Elaina Boudreau, BELA Communications, +1 913-660-0548, [email protected]