Learn more about the significance of poppies to Nov. 11 and Armistice Day
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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.
2024 Veterans Day Weekend
Friday, Nov. 8 - Monday, Nov. 11
Admission discount: Free admission for veterans/active-duty military and half-price general admission for the public during Veterans Day Weekend.
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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.
2024 Ceremony Livestream
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.
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SUNSET SALUTE: VETERANS DAY CONCERT
When: Monday, Nov. 11 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Southeast Lawn
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.
Tips for Commemorating Veterans Day
From “8 Ways to Express Appreciation on Veterans Day,” courtesy of Military.com
- Show Up – Attend a Veterans Day event in your area.
- Donate – There a number of organizations that support veterans.
- Fly a Flag – Not sure of the proper etiquette? Look here.
- Ask Someone About their Service – Questions such as “What did you do in the military” and “How long did you serve” are great starting points.
- Write – Send a postcard, letter or email.
- Don’t Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day – Veterans Day is a time to thank people for their service. Memorial Day is meant to reflect on those who gave their lives during service.
- Visit a VA Hospital – Many host special events on Veterans Day.
- Get Outdoors with a Veteran – Admission to national parks is free for everyone on Veterans Day.
Learn more about the origins of Veterans Day
2024 Sponsors
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Veterans of Foreign Wars
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This event is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.
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