The National World War I Museum in Kansas City, USA, has planned a series of events from the 10th – 11th November 2013.
The events will remember the Armistice, but will also “celebrate the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who continue to protect our freedom”.
November 11th, Veterans’ Day
The National World War I Museum will be open on the 11th November from 10:00am – 5:00pm, when entry will be free.
– U.S. Army and Iraq War veteran Ron Gutierrez will sing the National Anthem.
– First World War re-enactors from the Great War Association will greet visitors.
– A special First World War themed menu, including “trench stew”, will be served in the Over There Cafe.
– New Road to War exhibition (open until April 2014) explores the key world events which “led” to the outbreak of the First World War.
Veterans’ Day ceremony
10:00am – 11:00am
Venue: J.C. Nichols Auditorium
A free public programme, led by Dr. Matthew Naylor, CEO of the National World War One Museum will feature:
– Ret. Col. Ivan Glasgow, senior military instructor at Ruskin High School, will lead the presentation of Colors with ten cadets.
– Remarks from dignitaries are expected, including Missouri Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James (a former U.S. Marine); Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, U.S. representative for Missouri’s Fifth District; Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander (former U.S. Army Captain and Afghanistan War veteran), and Brigadier General Thomas James from the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center.
– Author of The Last of the Doughboys, Richard Rubin will make remarks.
– Special remembrance of Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton by Dr. Mary Cohen, Museum board chair; Skelton was elected chairman of the World War One Centennial Commission at its first meeting in Kansas City, on September 13th 2013. Skelton chaired the House Armed Services Committee and was known for his support of the military. Skelton’s father served in the First World War.
– Placing of commemorative wreath; placing of POW/MIA Chair Cover; musical performances by the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City.
– The ceremony will include representation from various veterans, military and civic organisations, including: United States Army, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project.
Walk of Honor dedication ceremony
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Venue: J.C. Nichols Auditorium
More than 100 new Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during the commemorative ceremony.
The Walk of Honor is divided into three sections: bricks dedicated solely to those who served in the First World War; bricks dedicated to veterans of any military service; and bricks that honor civilian friends, family or organisations.
Other events
Wounded Warriors Family Support “High Five Tour” Stop and Vintage Mustang Show
Sunday, November 10th, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Monday, November 11th, 9:00am to 2:00pm
Location: South Lawn of the National World War I Museum
More than 50 vintage Mustang cars from the Mustang Club of Greater Kansas City will be on display including the red, white and blue 2013 Mustang GT500 “Super Snake” that is traveling the country as part of Wounded Warriors Family Support’s “High Five Tour’’ to “rally Americans to show their appreciation to military families for their sacrifices”. Visitors are invited to sign the car with a message of gratitude.
“Guardians of the Night” Military Canine Demonstration
Sunday, November 10th, 11:00am to 12:00pm, Monday, November 11th
Location: South Lawn of the National World War I Museum
The Ft. Leavenworth Military Canine Unit will demonstrate a series of “protective, life-saving maneuvers performed by a team of military dogs and the trainers they serve beside”. The demonstration will be free to the public.
Free presentations by First World War authors and experts
During Veterans’ Day weekend, the National World War I Museum will host First World War authors, scholars, and experts for a symposium – The Coming of the Great War – in partnership with the World War One Historical Association.
Several symposium participants will offer free public presentations, including:
Battle of the Marne
Sunday, November 10th, 12:30pm
Venue: J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
Holger Herwig, from the University of Calgary, author of The Marne 1914, will discuss the start of the conflict and “the battle that changed the world”.
The Last of the Dough Boys
Monday, November 11th, 2:30pm
Venue: J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the National World War I Museum
Author Richard Rubin will discuss his oral history project with the last living First World War veterans collected in his book, The Last of the Dough Boys.
Source: National World War I Museum press release
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News