2026 Centennial Veterans Day Weekend

About this event

On Nov. 11, 1918, the guns fell silent from the Great War. The memory of those lost during the global conflict would not be forgotten. Kansas Citians made a promise to never forget the sacrifice, honor, courage and patriotism of the 441 Kansas City War Dead. That promise turned into the Liberty Memorial - created not to celebrate victory but as a symbol of peace and liberty. For the past 100 years, the Memorial has stood in Downtown Kansas City as a civic gathering place - for celebrations and moments of civic pride, and in times of conflict and public mourning. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City - a symbol of deep investment and community support since the very beginning. This year, join us in a century of honoring veterans with special activities and a free public ceremony on the grounds. HOW TO PARTICIPATE 2026 Veterans Day Weekend Friday, Nov. 6 - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 (Closed on Tuesday, Nov. 10) Admission discount: Free admission for veterans/active-duty military and half-price general admission for the public during Veterans Day Weekend. See the full schedule of events and ceremonies: https://www.theworldwar.org/veteransday 2026 Veterans Day Events World War I Research Stations When: Friday-Wednesday, Nov. 6-11 | 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. Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8 Where: U-shaped Drive 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. Veterans Day Ceremony When: Wednesday, 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 by Lieutenant General Jim P. Isenhower III (Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, KS), as well as special music. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the Public. Make Your Own Poppy Pin When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Near the 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. Interested in seeing Liberty's Beacon, the artistic light installation? See the schedule and plan your visit: https://libertysbeacon.org/ THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS The Kansas City Royals Foundation E&K Companies GEHA Hunt Family Foundation Jackson County, Missouri Executive and Legislature Veterans of Foreign Wars Weather or Not, Inc. This event is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.