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On the Memorial Day of our centennial year, join us as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.HOW TO PARTICIPATE
2026 Centennial Memorial Day Weekend
Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25
Learn more: https://theworldwar.org/memorialday
ADMISSION INFORMATION
- Free admission for veterans/active-duty military (including spouses and dependents with ID).
- Half-price admission for the public.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
- E&K Companies
- G.E.H.A.
- Hunt Family Foundation
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Weather or Not, Inc.
CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES (Weather permitting, subject to change)
Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Where: Memorial Courtyard
What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from General (Ret.) Richard Myers. He served for 40 years in the United States Air Force and retired as the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The program will also include a bell tolling ceremony; a reading of the names of the 441 residents of Kansas City, Missouri who died serving the country in WWI; and a laying of 441 wreaths in honor of the war dead.
ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public | Onsite and online
GET INVOLVED: The Museum and Memorial is looking for members of scouting organizations to lay the 441 wreaths. Scout leaders may sign up here: https://theworldwar.org/2026-memorial-day-wreath-laying
Walk of Honor Dedication
When: Monday, May 25, 2 p.m.
Where: Auditorium
What: New Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. The Walk of Honor includes bricks dedicated to those who served in World War I, to veterans of any military service and bricks honoring civilian friends, family or organizations. Bricks are dedicated each year during a Memorial Day ceremony. FREE to the public | Onsite and online
ONGOING EVENTS
World War I Research Stations
When: During Museum hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby
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.
Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display
When: TBA
Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance
What: The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that every 72 minutes, a servicemember 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.
Trees of Remembrance
When: Friday-Monday, May 22-25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Glass Bridge
What: In remembering, we can never forget. Commemorate the service and memory of a fallen soldier by adding their name to a poppy blossom, displayed on the branches of the Trees of Remembrance. FREE to the public.
Hats Off to U.S.
When: Friday-Monday, May 22-25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Main Entrance
What: The National WWI Museum and Memorial is proud to be part of the #OnOur250th initiative honoring the United States' 250th birthday in 2026. We stand with other cultural institutions and organizations around the United States in this moment of celebration of the resiliency of the nation – and in remembrance of those who have made great sacrifices towards a more perfect union. Celebrate with star-spangled salutations! Stop by the front entrance to send off your birthday wishes to Uncle Sam. FREE to the public.
WW1USA Amateur Radio Station
When: Monday, May 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 7600 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS 66204 (Overland Park Christian Church)
What: The Museum and Memorial is teaming with area amateur radio operators to remotely host special event station WW1USA. During this time, station operators will contact hundreds of other amateur radio operators across the world. Are you a short-wave radio operator? Join us! Learn more at ww1usa.org. Open to the Public
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Event Venue
2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO, United States, Missouri 64108
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