Benefit for Ukraine and Great Balloon Glow among August events at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial will host Stand With Ukraine KC and the Ukrainian Club of Kansas City for a discussion with Dr. Donald Jensen of the United States Institute of Peace to connect the dots between the conflicts of the past and the present. The event will take place on Aug. 24, Ukrainian Independence Day. Just as in the years of the Great War, the fields and cities of Ukraine have again become centers for intense violence. And as over a century ago, people around the world have come forward to relieve suffering, defend liberty and support the causes of democracy.

After the conversation there will be a ticketed social hour ($30) with beverages, music, informal conversation and more information on practical ways to make the world safe for democracy. All proceeds from the social hour will benefit aid efforts in Ukraine.

Kansas City’s Great Balloon Glow returns Saturday, Aug. 20 to light up the night sky. Over 20 hot air balloons will be on the Museum and Memorial’s North and South Lawns. Balloons, also called dirigibles, were primarily used in WWI to collect reconnaissance. Miles above the front lines, balloon observers could watch their enemies’ movements on the battlefield out of range of ground fire. The public is welcome to gather at 5 p.m. for food trucks, picnicking, live music from Grand Marquis and more. This family friendly event is free to the public. More information can be found online at theworldwar.org/balloonglow.

Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow closes on Sunday, Sept. 18 and a robust lineup of programs will take place in August as we prepare for its departure including Reconstruction and the Origins of Jim Crow, Reverence and Resistance: the Black Church and the Fight for Full Citizenship, Understanding Black Service in WWI and a special  Teacher Workshop: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow.

National WWI Museum and Memorial events

About the National WWI Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.