In continuing the commemoration of the World War I Centennial (2014-19), the National WWI Museum and Memorial will honor and recognize the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving their country during Memorial Day weekend.
From Friday, May 25, to Monday, May 28, admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel and general admission for the public is half-price. Additionally, the Museum and Memorial offers several events during the course of the weekend for people of all ages and interests, including a free public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day featuring a keynote address from former astronaut and space shuttle commander Jon McBride.
The Museum and Memorial also invites visitors to find their connections to World War I during through research stations. 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, one can discover how the Great War affected their family through records, photographs and more.
For children, hands-on history is an excellent way to learn more about the history of the Great War. Supervised by an education staff member, kids will be able handle real artifacts from the era. This event will be Saturday, May 26 at 11 a.m., and is free of charge.
Other Memorial Day weekend events include: a display of more than 20 vintage military vehicles from World War I to Operation Desert Storm, musical performances from the USAF of Mid-America Hot Brass Band, operatic baritone John Brancy and pianist Peter Dugan.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday. A complete list of activities can be found at theworldwar.org/memorialday.
–Vince Munoz
