2024 Memorial Day Weekend at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
*The event has already taken place on this date: Mon, 05/27/2024
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
2024 Memorial Day Weekend Events
World War I Research Stations
When: During Museum hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Outside Auditorium Lobby
What: Find your connection to World War I during Memorial Day weekend through research stations at the Museum. With access to multiple databases including Fold3.com, Ancestry.com, the Museum and Memorial’s online collections database, the American Battlefield Monuments Commission and the National Archives, discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. FREE to the public.
Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display
When: Monday, May 13 - Monday, May 27
Where: Walkway Terrace near Main Entrance
What: The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that every 72 minutes, a servicemember takes their own life. This moving display of 140 U.S. flags calls attention to the fact that 140 veterans are lost to suicide every week. FREE to the public.
Save a Life: Blood Drive
When: Friday, May 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Southeast Lawn
What: Like soldiers did 100 years ago, you can do your civic and patriotic duty by donating blood to support those in need. Appointments are REQUESTED to donate at this blood drive; walk-ins will be accepted. Make an appointment now
WW1USA Amateur Radio Station
When: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27
Where: Onsite
What: The Museum and Memorial is teaming with area amateur radio operators to remotely host special event station WW1USA. During this time, station operators will contact hundreds of other amateur radio operators across the world. Are you a short-wave radio operator? Join us! FREE to the Public. Learn more and find locations at ww1usa.org
Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display
When: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27
Where: U-shaped Drive
What: The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. FREE to the public.
Vintage Military Vehicle Display
When: Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, May 26
Where: Southeast Lawn
What: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will display vintage military vehicles from World War I, World War II, Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. MVPA members will be available to answer questions about their collection. Availability subject to weather. FREE to the public.
In Conversation: The Legacy Jump
When: Saturday, May 25, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Auditorium and Online
What: On Veterans Day 2020, nine veterans skydived onto the Museum and Memorial grounds. Relive that event with an in-depth conversation between veteran panelists plus documentary film screening. Free with RSVP. Register for the event
Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.
Where: Memorial Courtyard
What: A formal public program to include remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lt. General (Ret.) Wendy M. Masiello. Masiello served for 36 years in the United States Air Force and retired as the director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony. FREE to the public.
Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony
When: Monday, May 27, Noon
Where: Memorial Courtyard
What: We commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice with a bell tolling ceremony featuring a presentation of colors, a wreath laying and a moving reading. It was also tolled 11 times at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1926 during the dedication ceremony of the Liberty Memorial and again on Nov. 11, 2018 to commemorate the centennial of the WWI armistice. FREE to the public.
Bicycling through Battlefields: One Man’s Journey into the Past
When: Monday, May 27, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Onsite and online
What: Cycle through WWI battlefields with Brett Hawkes on his journey following his grandfather’s steps along the Western Front, meeting the descendants of the townsfolk his grandfather met. Free with RSVP. Register for the event
Walk of Honor Dedication
When: Monday, May 27, 2 p.m.
Where: Walk of Honor
What: New Walk of Honor granite bricks will be dedicated during a special ceremony. 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 each year during a Memorial Day ceremony. FREE to the public.
Trees of Remembrance
When: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Glass Bridge
What: In remembering, we can never forget. Commemorate the service and memory of a fallen soldier by adding their name to a poppy blossom, displayed on the branches of the Trees of Remembrance. FREE to the public.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.