By Joshua Phillips
Northeast News
May 24, 2013

Memorial Day is the special occasion for people to give remembrance and to show thanks for those who have died while serving our country.

This Memorial Day, May 27, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial will hold a public ceremony to honor our nation’s fallen heros and those who continue to serve. The Memorial Day ceremonies will include a free, public ceremony called “Voices of Remembrance.” The museum will also dedicate more than 80 “Walk of Honor” bricks, as well as hosting a vintage military vehicle display on the museum’s southeast lawn Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“On Memorial Day we remember those who have given everything for this country; we remember those who have given everything for this country and are still here; and remember those who will give everything for this country,” said Mary Cohen, interim president and chief executive officer of the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. “In some way it is a ceremony in itself to come through the museum.”

Speakers for the “Voices of Remembrance” Memorial Day ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., will include U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt; Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II; Congressman Kevin Yoder; Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon; and Kansas City Mayor and former U.S. Marine Sly James.

The museum will also open their newest exhibition: “The Road to War: 1904 to 1914 ” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Monday, May 27, in the exhibit hall in the National World War I Museum.

“’The Road to War’ will be an interesting exhibit because it will show the events leading up to the Great War,” Cohen said.

More than 80 new granite bricks will be added to the “Walk of Honor” during the dedication ceremony at 1 p.m.
The “Walk of Honor” is divided into three sections: to those who have served in World War I, to veterans of any military service and bricks dedicated to honor civilian friends, family or organizations. The ceremony will take place in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium in the museum from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. These bricks will add to more than 8,500 bricks already dedicated to the “Walk of Honor.”

“’The Walk of Honor’ shows respect to those who have served and to the public who have been honored for their work,” Cohen said. “Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, not just for the soldiers.”

The museum will be open Monday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with discounted admission for active and retired military men and women. Visitors who bring a ticket stub from the Kansas City Royals game played from May 23 to 26 will receive $2 off admission to the museum. For more information about the Memorial Day Ceremony, visit http://theworldwar.org.