Over There
Kansas City is home to a national treasure. Uh, besides me. It’s the National WW1 Museum and it’s quite impressive. I’d lived in Kansas City for over 10 years and never made a pilgrimage to its hallowed ground until last fall. Now, however, if I have an out of town guest — it’s a mandatory visit.
My friend Cris was in town over the weekend. He enjoys history a lot more than I do, so I knew he’d lose his ever lovin’ mind at the museum. From the minute you walk in the door, it’s an audio/visual feast … complete with interactive displays that put you in a soldier’s boots.
How did Kansas City score this national gem? Simple. Sheer drive and determination. After the war ended, KC went on a community-based fundraising drive in 1919 to build a memorial/museum. They raised a whopping $2.5 million in just ten days. This staggering accomplishment only reflected the public sentiment for the Great War that had dramatically changed the world.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was the sheer number of volunteers at the museum. They were quick with an aside, a story or a valuable piece of information you might not have known without their insight. And you can take as many pictures as you want. Bonus!
Don’t miss the smart orientation movie when you arrive either. It points out two very important things: 1) no one is quite sure how the war started and 2) peace is only war kept in check. How true that is.
Cris and I were going to go to the Museum on Saturday. It was rainy and dreary outside. The perfect day to go museum hopping. Turns out there was an all-day outdoor rock concert going on nearby. We immediately aborted the mission. 50,000+ head bangers cavorting in mud is not my idea of a good time.
Respecting and appreciating history is.
