Memorial Day Weekend at National WWI Museum and Memorial

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

Discount Admission for Memorial Day

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.

2022 Memorial Day Weekend Events

AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall

When:  Thursday, May 19 – Monday, May 30

Where: Southeast Lawn at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

What: This May, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s Vietnam Wall returns to the Southeast Lawn of the Museum and Memorial. An 80 percent scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., the wall measures nearly 400 feet long. The AVTT Vietnam Wall contains every name etched on the original memorial. Since its inception, hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. have viewed the wall. New this year, AVTT also will display the Cost of Freedom Tribute – smaller tribute panels honoring American sacrifices in conflicts through the 20th and 21st centuries, including WWI, WWII, 9-11, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display

When: All Day; Tuesday, May 17-Monday, May 30

Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

What: 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.

World War I Research Stations

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday-Monday, May 27-30

Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial

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.

Vintage Military Vehicle Display

When: TBD

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 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.

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

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, May 19-Monday, May 30

Where: Rectangular Drive outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial

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.

Memorial Day Ceremony

When: 10-11 a.m.; Monday, May 30

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard

What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lieutenant General Larry Jordan. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.

Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony

When: Noon; Monday, May 30

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 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 and AVTT Vietnam Wall Closing Ceremony

When: 2 p.m.; Monday, May 30

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard

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. This year’s ceremony will also serve as the closing ceremony for the AVTT Vietnam Traveling Wall. FREE to the public.