Memorializing - The Kansas City Way

Cutest and I can really get into the holidays. In my book, Christmas and the 4th of July, for different reasons, tie for the top spot. However Memorial Day has recently become a close contender.

Kansas City is the home of the world’s only nationally recognized museum and monument for WW1. This is the 100th anniversary of the completion of the memorial. Recently more space has been added to properly display artifacts that had been in storage.  Hundreds more still sit unseen but will be brought forward on a rotating schedule.

Yesterday I attended the Memorial Day ceremony held at the base of the towering monument. (Cutest stayed home, feverishly preparing for incoming out-of-town family. Or playing on-line Mahjong.) Under a cloudless sea blue sky, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Kansas governor Laura Kelly, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, former Chief of Staff, Retired General Richard Myers who was the keynote speaker and other dignitaries, veterans, boy and girl scouts and approximately 100 civilians gathered to learn, remember and reflect.

Differing from past Memorial Day ceremonies held here, the 441 Kansas Citians who lost their lives during the Great War were truly highlighted. The name of each was read and an imitation poppy wreath was laid at the base of the tower by a Scout. To conclude the ceremony, a lone trumpeter played taps, his haunting notes echoing off the surrounding stone monuments.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bff7d0_0570db8ff28d48faab0c74fe7c2d6da3/360p/mp4/file.mp4

To conclude the ceremony, a lone trumpeter played taps, his haunting notes echoing off the surrounding stone monuments.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bff7d0_495fccaec8d740219a24ed57f37766bd/360p/mp4/file.mp4

As a favor to yourself, take a grandchild or friend to the museum. It is no longer the dark and dingy tomb that you may have visited on a grade school day trip. But one note of caution. Due to the World Soccer Championship Fan Fest on the south lawn of the Memorial, parking and walking access will be challenging. I would wait until after the soccer fans and team have returned home in early July before exploring the museum. It is worth the walk.

Another fitting tribute this Memorial Day weekend. (Thanks Judith and Bruce!)