Memorial Day Activities

Today's events kick off outdoors at 9:30 a.m. with the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony, including a color guard parade, music by the American Legion Band, a Walk of Honor dedication, and a keynote address by Iraq War veteran Lt. Col. John L. Ward. The museum opens immediately following the ceremony, while the Military Vehicle Preservation Association displays vintage transports from World War II, Korea and Vietnam on the southeast lawn. At 1 p.m. in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium, historians Dr. Chad Williams of Hamilton College and Dr. Pellom McDaniels of UMKC present a free panel discussion titled “The Relevance and Importance of African Americans in World War I.” Finally, at 7 p.m., Turner Classic Movies and host Robert Osborne welcome Vice President of Museum Programs Eli Paul, who will discuss the museum and help introduce four classic World War I movies: Sergeant York (1941), The Dawn Patrol (1938), The Fighting 69th (1940), and The Big Parade (1925).
Mon., May 25, 9:30 a.m., 2009