KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial has released its 2022 Memorial Day weekend schedule, which features the traveling Vietnam Wall.
Vietnam Wall and Memorial Day Weekend, Thursday, May 19-Monday, May 30
On Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 28-Monday, May 31, admission to the National WWI Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel, while general admission for the public is half-price. There will be a free public ceremony at 10 am on Monday, May 30 with Kansas City native Lieutenant General Larry Jordan.
From May 19-30, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Wall returns to the Southeast Lawn of the Museum and Memorial. It is an 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; the wall measures nearly 400 feet long.
Other Memorial Day Weekend events at the museum include:
Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display
When: All day, Tuesday, May 17-Monday, May 30
Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
What: The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that every 72 minutes, a service member 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. This display is free to the public.
World War I Research Stations
When: 10 am-5 pm Friday-Monday, May 27-30
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial
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. This activity is free to the public.
The Exhibit Hall of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Image courtesy of the National WWI Museum and Memorial
Vintage Military Vehicle Display
When: To Be Determined
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Southeast Lawn
What: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection. This display is free to the public, but its availability is subject to the weather.
Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display
When: 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday, May 19-Monday, May 30
Where: Rectangular Drive outside the National WWI 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. This display is free to the public.
Memorial Day Ceremony
When: 10-11 am, Monday, May 30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard
What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lieutenant General Larry Jordan. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony, which is free to the public.
Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony
When: Noon, Monday, May 30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard
What: We commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a bell tolling ceremony featuring a presentation of colors, a wreath laying and a moving reading. It was also tolled 11 times at 11 am on Nov. 11, 1926 during the dedication ceremony of the Liberty Memorial and again on Nov. 11, 2018 to commemorate the centennial of the WWI armistice. This event is free to the public.
The grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which will host a slate of events during Memorial Day Weekend 2022. Image courtesy of the National WWI Museum and Memorial
Walk of Honor Dedication and AVTT Vietnam Wall Closing Ceremony
When: 2 pm, Monday, May 30
Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Memorial Courtyard
What: New Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. The Walk of Honor is divided into three sections: bricks dedicated solely to those who served in World War I; bricks dedicated to veterans of any military service; and bricks that honor civilian friends, family or organizations. This year’s ceremony will also serve as the closing ceremony for the AVTT Vietnam Traveling Wall. This event is free to the public.
About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The museum and memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The museum and memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialog and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.
