Sponsored by: National WWI Museum and Memorial

National WWI Museum and Memorial: Discount Admission and Special Activities during Veterans Day Weekend

Firing on the First World War’s Western Front ended on Nov. 11, 1918, at “the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.” After four years of fighting, an eerie stillness fell across the battlefields of Europe. The next day, Allied commander Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch sent a message to the Allied Armies: “You have won the greatest battle in history and served the most sacred cause—the Liberty of the World.”

Celebrating the end of war soon turned to sober remembrance of all who were lost. Armistice Day, officially recognized by President Wilson in 1919, is still observed throughout the world, with many stopping for a moment of silence at the 11th hour to honor those who brought about the end of the “Great War.” Known as Remembrance Day in many countries, the poppy is commonly worn and remains the symbol of commemoration originating from Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields.

In 1954, after the return of veterans from both World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill rededicating Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, and encouraged Americans to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor America’s veterans for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice.

Kansas City is home to the United States’ only National WWI Museum and Memorial. Originally constructed in 1926, the Liberty Memorial is one of the most iconic sights in the KC skyline. It stands as a tribute to those who fought and gave their lives in the conflict, as well as to commemorate peace and liberty for future generations.

Admission to the museum is free for veterans and active duty military personnel, while admission for the general public is half-price all weekend (Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13).

Free admission for veterans/active duty military personnel on Veterans Day Weekend is supported by Jackson County Executive, Jackson County Legislature, the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of Kansas City, Mo., and KFKF.

View the complete list of activities here: https://www.theworldwar.org/veteransday