2023 Memorial Day Weekend at National WWI Museum and Memorial

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Sean Pavone Getty Images

Liberty Memorial Tower at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Opened in 1926, the museum is dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War.

This Memorial Day, join us as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.

Highlights of Memorial Day Weekend

Free General Admission for Veterans/Active-Duty Military and half-price general admission for the public during Memorial Day Weekend (Friday-Monday, May 26-29).

Memorial Day Ceremony — Free to the public, this annual ceremony will feature dignitaries and a keynote address from Lieutenant General (Ret.) John “J.T.” Thomson (Monday, May 29; 10 a.m.).

Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony — A bell-tolling ceremony, presentation of colors and wreath laying to remember the bell rung every day in Kansas City during WWI (Monday, May 29; Noon).

“Walk of Honor” Brick Dedication — Each Memorial Day, new bricks are dedicated to the Walk of Honor (Monday, May 29; 2 p.m.).

Lower Level and Open Storage Center — Visitors can view the newly opening Lower Level featuring the Bergman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center.

Mail Call — Also part of the newly opened Lower Level, Mail Call shares the wartime correspondence, and the art that accompanied it, between a father and son. 

The National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to spend Memorial Day weekend, giving honor and special recognize 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 new exhibition Mail Call.

The Museum and Memorial offers a events all weekend for people of all ages, including a free public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day with local dignitaries and a keynote address from Lieutenant General (Ret.) John “J.T.” Thomson. Support for Memorial Day 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 29Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance at the National WWI Museum and MemorialWhat: 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. FREE to the public.

Remembering Our Fallen Memorial

When: Thursday, May 25 - Monday, May 29Where: Memorial CourtyardWhat: Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial that honors U.S. military fallen from the Global War on Terrorism (2001-2021). Created by Nebraska-based Patriotic Productions, the memorial includes both military and personal photos. FREE to the public.

Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display

When: Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29Where: U-shaped Drive outside the National WWI Museum and MemorialWhat: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. FREE to the public.

Military Vehicle Display

When: Saturday, May 27 - Sunday, May 28Where: Southeast LawnWhat: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection. Availability subject to weather. FREE to the public.

Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Monday, May 29, 10 a.m.Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial CourtyardWhat: 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. FREE to the public.

Complimentary Concert: Frederick Hodges

When: Monday, May 29, 11:30 a.m.

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, NoonWhere: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial CourtyardWhat: We commemorate 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 a.m. 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. FREE to the public.

Walk of Honor Dedication

When: Monday, May 29, 2 p.m.Where: Walk of HonorWhat: 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. FREE to the public.

“Absent from Anzac: The Story of an Australian Nurse at War”

When: Monday, May 29, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Auditorium

What: In commemorating the millions of soldiers who fought in WWI on Memorial Day, we also honor 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 a.m.-5 p.m.Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and MemorialWhat: 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 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. FREE to the public.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND HOURS AND PARKING

The National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday. Visitors are encouraged to allot additional time for parking during the weekend.