Kansas City Memorial Day 2018 Free Events And Activities

Memorial Day 2018 in Kansas City offered numerous free events and activities for residents and visitors to honor the nation's heroes while enjoying quality family time. The city provided a range of options from historical observances at the National WWI Museum and Memorial to family-friendly celebrations at Union Station. These events allowed community members to commemorate the holiday while participating in engaging activities at no cost.

Memorial Day Observances at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City served as a central location for Memorial Day commemorations in 2018. The museum offered free admission throughout the weekend for veterans and active duty military members, while general admission was half price for the public. This policy allowed visitors to explore the museum's exhibits and learn about World War I history without financial barriers.

The museum hosted several free events during Memorial Day weekend:

• World War I Research Stations: Available during museum hours (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), these stations allowed visitors to explore their connections to the Great War through multiple databases including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the museum's online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission, and the National Archives. The research stations were located outside the Auditorium Lobby and were free to the public.

• Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display: This moving exhibition was displayed on the Walkway Terrace near the Main Entrance from Monday, May 12 to Tuesday, May 27. The display featured 140 U.S. flags to represent the 140 veterans who are lost to suicide every week, as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This powerful visual highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by veterans even after their service.

• Craft Your Own Poppy: On Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families could participate in a craft experience at the J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby inside the museum. This family-friendly activity allowed participants to create felt poppy pins or ornaments to commemorate Memorial Day.

The museum also hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27 from 10-11 a.m. in the Memorial Courtyard outside the museum. This formal public program included remarks from dignitaries and honored the sacrifices of service members.

Bank of America Celebration at the Station

One of the largest Memorial Day weekend events in the Midwest, the Bank of America Celebration at the Station took place on Sunday, May 26, 2018. The event began at 3 p.m. with the Kansas City Symphony performing patriotic favorites on the North Lawn outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial, with the concert starting at 8 p.m.

The celebration concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Liberty Memorial at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The event was free to the public and transformed into an all-day family affair with pre-concert musical acts, food trucks, the Lee Jeans Family Zone, the Honeywell Veterans Place with services for veterans, and activities inside Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

While most events were free, the National WWI Museum and Memorial also hosted a benefit pancake breakfast on Monday, May 27 from 9-11 a.m. at the Over There Café inside the museum. This event provided an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a meal while supporting the museum. The meals were $11 for adults and $6 for children (12 and under) and included a beverage. The proceeds benefited the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony

The Walk of Honor Dedication Ceremony took place on Monday, May 27 at 2 p.m. at the J.C. Nichols Auditorium inside the National WWI Museum and Memorial. During this ceremony, more than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks were dedicated. 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. Walk of Honor bricks are dedicated twice each year during Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.

Kansas City Zoo Extended Hours

Families looking for Memorial Day weekend activities could also visit the Kansas City Zoo, which began opening early for the summer season starting Saturday, May 26. The zoo opened at 8 a.m. daily and remained open until 4 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends through Labor Day. This extended schedule allowed visitors to enjoy cooler morning temperatures and see animals when they are most active.

The zoo featured the brand new Stingray Bay exhibit, where visitors could touch cownose and southern stingrays and white-spotted bamboo sharks in a shallow touch pool. This indoor/outdoor facility was ideal for year-round guests and featured a state-of-the-art water filtration system providing a healthy habitat for the animals.

Family Activities in Kansas City

Memorial Day weekend 2018 in Kansas City provided numerous opportunities for families to spend quality time together while honoring the nation's heroes. The events ranged from historical observances to musical performances and educational activities. Many families took advantage of the free events to kick off the summer season without straining their budgets.

The variety of activities available ensured that there was something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. From the solemn ceremonies honoring fallen service members to the festive concert and fireworks, Kansas City offered a meaningful way to observe Memorial Day while enjoying the beginning of summer.

Virtual Ceremonies in 2020

While the focus is on 2018, it's worth noting that the National WWI Museum and Memorial adapted its Memorial Day observances in 2020 due to ongoing restrictions. The museum presented a schedule of free online streams on Monday, May 25, 2020, including a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. featuring remarks from dignitaries such as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and musical performances from Kansas City native and Nashville recording artist Casi Joy. A bell-tolling ceremony was also held at noon using a bell originally located at a federal building in downtown Kansas City that was rung daily by the Daughters of the American Revolution during U.S. involvement in WWI (1917-1918).

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2018 in Kansas City offered a diverse range of free events and activities that allowed residents and visitors to honor the nation's heroes while enjoying quality family time. The National WWI Museum and Memorial served as a focal point for many of these observances, offering free admission for veterans and active duty military, along with special events and displays. The Bank of America Celebration at the Station provided a festive atmosphere with a free concert and fireworks display, while the Kansas City Zoo offered extended hours and new exhibits for families to explore. These events collectively provided meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day while enjoying the beginning of summer in Kansas City.

Sources

1. VFW Memorial Day 2018 Statement
2. National WWI Museum and Memorial Virtual Memorial Day Ceremonies
3. WWI Centennial Memorial Day Weekend Events
4. Kansas City's Memorial Day Weekend Fun Guide
5. Memorial Day Weekend Recap 2018
6. Memorial Day Goes Virtual for Museums