Memorial Day Observance Ceremony

The outdoor ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. with a color guard parade and includes performances by the American Legion Band, dedication of newly installed Walk of Honor bricks and a keynote address by Iraq War veteran LTC John L. “Lanier” Ward. The Museum will open immediately following the ceremony (approximately 11 a.m.). Normal admission charges apply throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Free parking and shuttle service are available on May 25 from the parking lots off of Grand & 27th Streets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, May 25, 1 p.m.
Scholars Roundtable: “The Relevance and Importance of African Americans in World War I”
Dr. Chad Williams, Assistant Professor of History at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, and Dr. Pellom McDaniels, Assistant Professor of History and American Studies at UMKC, and a member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, will present a thoughtful and spirited panel discussion. They will also discuss Torch Bearers of Democracy, a new book by Dr. Williams, has a spring 2009 release date by the University of North Carolina Press. “They Came to Fight” is a website that archives an exhibition curated by Dr. McDaniels, whose subject emphasizes the wartime contributions by members of the Kansas City African American community. This free event will take place in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium of the National World War I Museum.

Monday, May 25, Evening
Film tribute on Turner Classic Movies
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will be paying tribute to veterans with the showing of four classic World War I movies on Memorial Day evening. Films include Sergeant York (1941), The Fighting 69th (1940), Dawn Patrol (1938), and The Big Parade (1925) and will be introduced by Robert Osborne of TCM. Joining him to discuss the movies and the National World War I Museum will be Vice President of Museum Programs Eli Paul.