National World War 1 Museum at Liberty Memorial Logo
The National World War I Museum is open free to the public on Veterans Day, November 11.
Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) November 09, 2013
It was on “the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month” that the firing ended in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, and a message was sent to the Allied Armies: “You have won the greatest battle in history and served the most sacred cause—the Liberty of the World.”
To celebrate the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who continue to protect our freedom, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial has planned a series of Veterans Day Weekend events from Nov. 8-11:
National World War I Museum Open free on Veterans Day, Nov. 11
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11
Where: National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial (100 W. 26th Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64108)
What: The Museum will be open free of charge in honor of Veterans Day with special activities including:
- World War I reenactors from the Great War Association will greet Museum visitors and distribute poppies to illustrate the special connection between poppies in World War I at Flanders Field and today’s veterans.
- Over There Café will feature a special Veterans Day menu with WWI-themed cuisine, including comforting creamed chipped beef, trench stew and hot apple pie.
- New “Road to War” exhibit takes visitors through the pivotal world events that led to World War (open now through April 20, 2014).
Veterans Day Ceremony
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial (100 W. 26th Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64108)
What: Master of Ceremonies Dr. Matthew Naylor, president and CEO of the National WWI Museum, will lead a formal, free public program to include:
- U.S. Army and Iraq War veteran Ron Gutierrez will sing the National Anthem
- Ret. Col. Ivan Glasgow, senior military instructor at Ruskin High School, will lead the presentation of Colors with ten cadets
- Remarks from dignitaries are expected, including Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James (a former U.S. Marine); Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, U.S. representative for Missouri’s Fifth District; Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander (former U.S. Army Captain and Afghanistan War veteran), and Brigadier General Thomas James from the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center.
- Remarks from WWI expert and author of The Last of the Doughboys, Richard Rubin
- Special remembrance of longtime Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton by Dr. Mary Cohen, Museum board chair; Skelton was elected chairman of the World War One Centennial Commission at its first meeting in Kansas City, Mo. on Sept. 13. Skelton chaired the House Armed Services Committee and was known for his support of the military. Skelton's father served in World War I
- Placement of the military commemorative wreath
- Placing of the POW/MIA Chair Cover (the POW/MIA chair cover is a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all foreign conflicts)
- Musical performances by the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City
- The ceremony will include representation from various veterans, military and civic organizations, including: United States Army, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project
- This event is supported by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Where: J .C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
What: More than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a commemorative ceremony, including a special presentation of a brick to honor the Ft. Leavenworth Military Canine Unit. The Walk of Honor, located at the Museum’s entrance, now features 9,000 bricks. Walk of Honor bricks are dedicated twice each year during Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. 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.
Wounded Warriors Family Support “High Five Tour” Stop and Vintage Mustang Show
When: Sunday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: South Lawn of the National World War I Museum
What: More than 50 vintage Mustang cars from the Mustang Club of Greater Kansas City will be on display including the red, white and blue 2013 Mustang GT500 “Super Snake” that is traveling the country as part of Wounded Warriors Family Support’s “High Five Tour’’ to rally Americans to show their appreciation to military families for their sacrifices. Visitors are invited to sign the car with a message of gratitude.
“Guardians of the Night” Military Canine Demonstration
When: 11 a.m. to Noon, Monday, Nov. 11
Where: South Lawn of the National World War I Museum
What: The Ft. Leavenworth Military Canine Unit will demonstrate a series of protective, life-saving maneuvers performed by a team of military dogs and the trainers they serve beside. Free to the public.
Free Presentations by WWI Authors and Experts
During Veterans Day weekend, the National World War I Museum is hosting WWI authors, scholars, and experts for a sold-out symposium, “The Coming of the Great War” in partnership with the World War One Historical Association. Several symposium participants will offer free public presentations, including:
Battle of the Marne
When/Where: 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10; J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
What: World War I expert from the University of Calgary Holger Herwig, author of The Marne 1914, will discuss the start of World War I and the battle that changed the world. Free to the public.
The Last of the Dough Boys
When/Where: 2:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11; J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
What: Author Richard Rubin will discuss his oral history project with the last living WWI veterans collected in his book, The Last of the Dough Boys. Free to the public.
Veterans Day Weekend Hours and Parking
The National World War I Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To accommodate expected high Veterans Day attendance, free parking and a free shuttle service will be available on November 11 from Crown Center at Warwick & 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 preserving the objects, history and personal experiences of a war whose impact still echoes in the world today. The Museum takes visitors 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, Missouri, 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.
