Memorial Day Weekend at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

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Friday-Monday, May 28-31, 2021

As America’s Congressionally-designated World War I museum and memorial, the National WWI Museum and Memorial honors and recognizes the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving their country in conjunction with 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 (Friday-Monday, May 28-31).

The Museum and Memorial offers a wide variety of events during the weekend for people of all ages, including a Hot Air Balloon Glow in the evening on Sunday, May 30 and a free public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day with a keynote address from Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Eric Jacobson. Currently a command surgeon and assistant chief of staff, Lt. Col. Dr. Jacobson was formerly a battalion surgeon with multiple overseas deployments and was former director of medical operations at the Javits New York Medical Station, the temporary response to New York City’s COVID-19 Pandemic.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2021 EVENTS

FLAGS OF FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS DISPLAY

When: All Day; Monday May 24-Monday, May 31

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 his or her 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: All Day; Friday-Monday, May 28-31

Where: Outside J.C. Nichols 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: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, May 29-30

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.

HOT AIR BALLOON GLOW

When: 6 p.m.; Sunday, May 30 (Balloon Glow begins at 8:30 p.m.)

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, North and Southeast Lawns

What: Kick off your summer with the first ever Hot Air Balloon Glow on the North and Southeast Lawns. Balloons were primarily used in WWI to collect reconnaissance miles above the front lines. A century later, observe their magnificence up close. Balloons will be tethered to the ground, and propane burners will be periodically lit to keep the balloons inflated. Enjoy picnicking, live music and local food trucks on our 47 acres. FREE to the public.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

When: 10-11 a.m.; Monday, May 31

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard

What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Eric Jacobson. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.

MEMORIAL DAY BELL TOLLING CEREMONY

When: Noon; Monday, May 31

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 CEREMONY

When: 2 p.m.; Monday, May 31

Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 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 twice each year during Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. FREE to the public.