Related Organization: National WWI Museum and Memorial

Join us in honoring veterans with special activities and a free public ceremony on the grounds. On Veterans Day, Americans are encouraged to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor the Nation’s veterans for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. The Museum and Memorial hosts commemoration events every November, highlighting the connections between Veterans Day and World War I.

Admission discount: Free general admission for veterans/active-duty military and half-price general admission for the public during Veterans Day Weekend.

Veterans Day 2024

WORLD WAR I RESEARCH STATIONS

• When: Friday-Monday, Nov. 8-11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  
• Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the Museum and Memorial
  
• What: Find your connection to World War I during Veterans 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: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 9-10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  
• 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.

VIETNAM ERA BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS “HUEY” HELICOPTER DISPLAY

• When: Saturday-Monday, Nov. 9-11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  
• Where: U-shaped drive outside the 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.

WARRIOR POSE: YOGA WITH VETERANS

• When: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 8:45 a.m.
  
• Where: Glass Bridge
  
• What: Founded in 2010, the Veterans Yoga Project offers restorative self-regulating practices to help veterans, service members and military families recover from PTS(D). Bring a mat and a friend for a low-impact regimen that quiets the mind and develops flexibility for any level of fitness. Participants will each receive a free bottle of cold-pressed juice from Ruby Jean's Juicery. Regardless of military service status or yoga knowledge, all are welcome. Free with RSVP.

CHILDREN'S STORY TIME: “WHERE THE POPPIES NOW GROW”

• When: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 10:30 a.m.
  
• Where: Auditorium Lobby
  
• What: A yearly tradition across the world is to wear poppy pins on Armistice Day – known in the U.S. as Veterans Day. Why is this flower so important? Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, join Museum and Memorial educators for a family-friendly craft and reading of “Where the Poppies Now Grow,” a WWI story for young audiences by Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey. Hosted in conjunction with the exhibition The Little War. Free with RSVP.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

• When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.
  
• Where: Auditorium and Lobby
  
• What: Join us for a moving ceremony honoring our nation’s veterans. The formal public program will include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address, as well as special music. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the Public.
  
• This year's keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Larry Watkins, Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa.

MAKE YOUR OWN POPPY PIN

• When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  
• Where: Near the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge
  
• What: Create your own poppy craft to keep for yourself or give to a friend! If you miss the craft table before it closes, you can make your own poppy at home with this Cut-Out Poppy or the instructions for this 3D Poppy. FREE to the Public.

SUNSET SALUTE: VETERANS DAY CONCERT

• When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  
• Where: Memorial Courtyard
  
• What: Start off Kansas City Navy Week with an outdoor concert with Navy Band Great Lakes. Bring a chair (and a friend) to enjoy the fanfare of the Premier Navy Brass Band and Woodwind Quintet. Learn more about Navy Week here. FREE to the Public.