Veterans Day Events to Honor Those Who’ve Served Our Nation at National World War I Museum and Memorial Nov. 11; Free Admission to the Public All Day
Kansas City, Missouri (PRWEB) October 27, 2015 -- Summary of Veterans Day Events at the National World War 1 Museum at Liberty Memorial
- Free admission to the public on Veterans Day (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Donation Drive for Disabled American Veterans/Red Racks Thrift Stores (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Mayor Sly James, Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders expected for public Veterans Day Ceremony in J.C. Nicholas Auditorium featuring bestowing of Bronze Star (American) and French Foreign Legion medals on WWII veterans with keynote address from Brigadier General John S. Kem (10 a.m.)
- Nearly 100 new “Walk of Honor” Bricks to be dedicated during a ceremony featuring the Lyric Opera’s performance group Veterans Who Love to Sing + Singers Who Love Veterans, Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn and a keynote address from author James Heiman and a presentation of all new honorees (1 p.m.)
- Final day to view The World Remembers display of more than 500,000 casualties suffered during World War I in 1915
- View the new exhibition The Second Battlefield: Nurses in the First World War
- Brooklyn Art Song Society performance of Songs of the Great War (Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.)
As the world continues commemoration of the first global conflict in human history, the National World War I Museum and Memorial honors those who served on Veterans Day by offering free admission to the public, a donation drive with Disabled American Veterans/Red Racks Thrift Stores and inspiring ceremonies featuring officials and dignitaries, including the awarding of American and French medals to World War II veterans.
Veterans Day is supported through the generosity of the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Missouri. Admission to the Museum and all events are free to the public through the generosity of Jackson County Executive and Jackson County Legislature.
The Second Battlefield: Nurses in the First World War
When: Opens Tuesday, November 3
Where: Research Level Gallery at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: This exhibition of predominantly French WWI artwork aligns with the quasi-myths of wartime nursing as described by author Christine Hallett: the courageous VAD, the romantic nurse and the “nurse-as-heroine.” On loan from the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas.
In Memoriam: Songs of the Great War
When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: The Brooklyn Art Song Society performs “In Memoriam: Songs of the Great War,” a program featuring works by British composers whose lives were cut tragically short by World War I. Tickets are available at theworldwar.org and are $12 for the general public, $5 for Museum members and free for veterans with RSVP.
Disabled American Veterans/Red Racks Donation Drive
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11
Where: U-Shaped Drive at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: In honor of Veterans Day, Red Racks, owned and operated by the Disabled American Veterans, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial are hosting a donation drive in the U-Shaped Drive near the walkway leading to the Museum entrance. Accepted items include: gently used clothing, shoes, household items/décor and children’s toys. All donations are tax deductible.
Day in the Life
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11
Where: Paul Sunderland Bridge/Entrance to main gallery
What: Living history volunteers will be on site to share stories of the Great War era and make history come to life!
Veterans Day Ceremony
When: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: A formal public program to include:
- Remarks from dignitaries expected including U.S. Missouri Fifth District Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sly James (a former U.S. Marine), Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander (a former U.S. Army Captain), Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders and French Consul Jean-Christophe Paris
- Presentation of Bronze Star and French Foreign Legion medals to WWII veterans from Brigadier General John S. Kem (Army University Provost) and French officer Colonel Nicholas Auboin
- Keynote address from Brigadier General John S. Kem
- Placing 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)
- National Anthem performance from KSHB meteorologist Kalee Dionne
- Musical performances from the 1st Infantry Division Brass Quintet and The American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City Wind Ensemble
- Presentation of colors from the Whiteman Air Force Base Honor Guard
- Benediction/Invocation by Rabbi Beryl Padorr
Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony
When: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11
Where: J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum and Memorial
What: Nearly 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. Entertainment will include patriotic songs by more than 50 members of the Lyric Opera performance group Veterans Who Love to Sing + Singers Who Love Veterans, remarks from Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn and a keynote address from author James Heiman. The Walk of Honor, more than 10,000 bricks strong, 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.
Veterans Day Hours and Parking
The National World War I Museum and Memorial will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Veterans Day. To accommodate expected high attendance, a parking shuttle service is available on Veterans Day from the West Yards Garage at Union Station.
About the National World War I Museum and Memorial
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum holds the most diverse collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum takes visitors of all ages 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 Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National World War I Museum and Memorial 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 theworldwar.org.
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Elaina Boudreau, BELA Communications, +1 913-660-0548, [email protected]
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