Memorial Day weekend events at Liberty Memorial, Union Station
Here is a list of events and displays at the National World War I Museum and Memorial and Liberty Memorial for this Memorial Day weekend. All are free unless noted.
The AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall
Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25
The AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., opens to the public at 6 p.m. Friday on the southeast lawn. It will remain accessible 24 hours a day until the closing ceremony Monday at 2:30 p.m., except for 7-11 p.m. Sunday.
Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display
Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25
A Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter is on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at the south walkway entrance.
Vintage Military Vehicle Display
Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25
Nearly 30 vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm will be on display on the southeast lawn.
Disabled American Veterans/Red Racks Donation Drive
Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25
Donate gently used clothing, shoes, household items and children’s toys to the Disabled American Veterans’ Red Racks and National World War I Museum and Memorial’s donation drive in the south driveway. All donations are tax deductible.
National World War I Museum and Memorial Benefit Pancake Breakfast
8-10 a.m., Saturday, May 23
A pancake breakfast in the museum’s Over There Cafe will benefit the National World War I Museum and Memorial. $5 for pancakes, $7.50 to add sausage and beverages.
Hands-on History
10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 23
Kids and adults are invited to touch artifacts from World War I in the museum’s main hall.
Where Poppies Grow
11 a.m., Saturday, May 23
“Where Poppies Grow: A World War I Companion” author Linda Granfield discusses the meaning of the museum’s poppy field and John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby. Free to the public with RSVP.
Coolies to Rebels: Vietnam & WWI
1 p.m., Saturday, May 23
Dr. Kimloan Hill and Dr. Matthew Naylor will discuss Vietnam’s involvement with France during World War I and how it affected the nation’s road to revolution. This event in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium is free to the public with RSVP.
Wounded Warriors Family Support High Five Tour Vehicle Display
Sunday May 24 – Monday, May 25
Put your signature and message on a 2015 Ford Explorer and 2015 Ford F-150 designed for disabled veterans that will travel across the country, stopping in 100 cities in 48 states. They will be at the south walkway entrance 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Senior Curator Doran Cart on the National WWI Museum and Memorial
1 p.m., Sunday, May 24
Doran Cart leads a discussion about America’s official World War I museum and memorial, declared a national monument in December, 2014. Free to the public with RSVP.
Bank of America Celebration at the Station with the Kansas City Symphony
8 p.m., Sunday, May 24
Music Director Michael Stern and the Kansas City Symphony perform patriotic favorites in front of Kansas City’s Union Station.
Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Ruck March
8 a.m., Monday, May 25
The Truman Chapter of the U.S. Field Artillery Association hosts a 5k and 15k Ruck March on the north lawn. Watch participants walk at a fast pace over rugged terrain while wearing weighted backpacks.
Memorial Day Ceremony
10-11 a.m., Monday, May 25
Observe the holiday with this formal program in the Memorial Courtyard in front of Memory Hall. Listen to a National Anthem performance by operatic tenor Vinson Cole and musical performances by the NorthWinds Symphonic Band.
RezVets/The Writers Place
When: Noon-2 p.m., Monday, May 25
In this creativity exercise, RezVets and The Writers Place asks participants to tell a story in six words, inspired by the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall.
Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony
1-2 p.m., Monday, May 25
More than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated in this ceremony in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium. Free to attend or watch a live stream online.
This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Memorial Day weekend events at Liberty Memorial, Union Station."