2024 Memorial Day Weekend at National WWI Museum and Memorial

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Christopher Smith

Memrial Day at National WWI Museum and Memorial

Memrial Day at the National WWI Museum and Memorial Monday May 29, 2023. Photo by Christopher Smith

2024 Memorial Day Weekend

Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27

Admission discount during Memorial Day Weekend:

• Free General Admission for veterans/active-duty military; spouses and dependents with ID
• Half-price General Admission for the public

2024 Memorial Day Weekend Events

World War I Research Stations

When: During Museum hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby

What: 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.

Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display

When: Monday, May 13 - Monday, May 27

Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance

What: The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that every 72 minutes, a servicemember 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.

Save a Life: Blood Drive

When: Friday, May 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Southeast Lawn

What: Like soldiers did 100 years ago, you can do your civic and patriotic duty by donating blood to support those in need. Appointments are REQUESTED to donate at this blood drive; walk-ins will be accepted. Make an appointment now

WW1USA Amateur Radio Station

When: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27

Where: Onsite

What: The Museum and Memorial is teaming with area amateur radio operators to remotely host special event station WW1USA. During this time, station operators will contact hundreds of other amateur radio operators across the world. Are you a short-wave radio operator? Join us! Learn more and find locations at ww1usa.org FREE to the Public

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

When: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27

Where: U-shaped Drive

What: 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.

Vintage Military Vehicle Display

When: Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, May 26

Where: Southeast Lawn

What: 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 27, 10 a.m.

Where: Memorial Courtyard

What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lt. General (Ret.) Wendy M. Masiello. Masiello served for 36 years in the United States Air Force and retired as the director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.

Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony

When: Monday, May 27, Noon

Where: Memorial Courtyard

What: 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 27, 2 p.m.

Where: Walk of Honor

What: 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.

Trees of Remembrance

When: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Glass Bridge

What: In remembering, we can never forget. Commemorate the service and memory of a fallen soldier by adding their name to a poppy blossom, displayed on the branches of the Trees of Remembrance. FREE to the public.