Armistice Day was officially recognized by President Wilson in 1919 to honor those who fought in the “Great War”. It is still observed throughout the world with a moment of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of November. In the US, after the Vietnam War Armistice Day, became Veterans Day when all those who fought and were lost to war are honored.
To commemorate Veterans Day you don’t have to travel to DC to visit the veterans monuments, there are many great museums throughout the US that will teach your children about war, military people, and sacrifice. Here are our suggestions for this year.
Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, MO – The Liberty Memorial is a memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I and houses The National World War I Museum, as designated by the United States Congress in 2004. Through first-hand accounts, engaging exhibits, and informative films, the museum offers a comprehensive knowledge of the Great War.
National WWII Museum, New Orleans, LA – This World War II museum campus includes the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, showcasing the large artifacts of the war and exhibits on D-Day at Normandy, the Home Front, and the Pacific; the Solomon Victory Theater, and the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, where exhibits and interactive experiences paint the picture of a nation mobilized for war.
National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, VA – The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines–past, present, and future. The Museum’s soaring design evokes the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima and invites visitors to the 120,000-square-foot structure. Fantastic interactive exhibits using innovative technology surround visitors with Marine artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.
National Museum of the US Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio – Dating back to 1923, this official museum of the United States Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum with more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display. Thousands of historical items and sensory exhibits bring history to life and look to the future with today’s stealth and precision technology.
US Army Medical Department Museum, Fort Sam Houston, Texas – This Army museum features the history of the Army Medical Department from 1775 to the present. Military medical artifacts and memorabilia are displayed to blend visualization of history and detailing the Army’s contributions to medicine during times of both war and peace.
Seabees Museum, Port Hueneme, CA – The CEC Seabee Museum, founded in 1947, commemorates the history and worldwide achievements of the Naval Construction Force (Seabees) and the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps (CEC). This museum features military weapons, uniforms, models, and inventions by Seabee and CEC officers. Established in 1942 to build shore facilities in combat areas for the Navy and Marine Corps, Seabee construction services have supported American fighting troops ever since.
Be sure to check out each museum’s websites for special Veterans Day activities.
Why does the poppy represent Veterans Day? See Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
What a great list! I didn’t know there were so many different museums around the country focused on our military.
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