World Cup Fan Fest

We enjoyed our experience at the FIFA Fan Fest on Liberty Memorial grounds. A lot of folks watching France and Senegal as well as roaming the grounds.

 

Puppets a-Glow-Go

StoneLion Puppet Theatre presented a glowing puppet show at the Liberty Memorial. It was hard to photograph and a bit hard to follow but the performance drew a large crowd. The weather was perfect for it.

 

Tower After Dark

Cindy and I went up the Liberty Memorial at dusk during a special Tower After Dark event. Beautiful view, beautiful night. Even the fall colors were spectaular.

You ride a creaky elevator up close to the top and then climb 45 steps to the viewing level just below the flame.

Balloon Glow

A beautiful night for the Kansas City hot air Balloon Glow at Liberty Memorial. Adam enjoyed the process of erecting the balloons, but not the sound of the fire.

Hope Blooms

Ada Koch designed this heart in the Parade of Hearts with the poppies that have been a sign of hope since World War I. She says her heart signifies the hope that Kansas City can overcome tough times and come out stronger and more loving.
 

Remembering and Honoring Our Veterans

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall, a replica of the Washington, DC memorial, has been installed on the south lawn of Liberty Memorial through Memorial Day. Vala and I visited and she took a tour of a helicopter that flew missions in Vietnam.

 

Taps at the Tower

The National WWI Museum and Memorial presents Taps at the Tower at sunset a few days each June. It's quite impressive, especially when the sun cooperates with a beautiful sunset.
 

Great Balloon Glow

On our first adventure out into the event world, Howard and I took in the fun of the Great Balloon Glow put on by the World War I Museum. It was fantastic.
 

Flags of the Forgotten Soldiers

Liberty Memorial displayed 140 flags to bring attention and awareness to the fact that 140 veterans are lost to suicide each week. Information was provided by the flags about the Veterans Crisis Hotline for confidential support 24/7.

Decoration Day Tributes

With the Liberty Memorial appropriately in the background, you can see graves of veterans in Union Cemetery, adorned with flags provided by Boy Scouts. The cemetery includes the graves of many Civil War veterans, including that of Sgt. Sam Hayes (below) of the 132nd Indiana Infantry Regiment, which served in the Union Army in 1864. The cemetery is also believed to include mass graves from the Civil War. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and was created in 1865 expressly to honor the Civil War dead.

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Lest We Forget

"Lest We Forget" is a photography exhibit on the deck of the Liberty Memorial and features photo of living survivors of the Holocaust with their stories. Quite moving.
Luigi Toscano took portraits of almost 400 Holocaust survivors in the United States, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Belarus, Austria and the Netherlands for the exhibit. It's at the World War I Museum until tomorrow but winds have caused it to be taken down a couple of times.

High Vantage

Hanging out on the wall at the Liberty Memorial on Labor Day. What parents would set their children up here 😉? And what is everyone waiting to see?

Reflections of Hope

These poppies in the reflecting pool at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, were created by Ada Koch. It is named Reflections of Hope: Armistice 1918. Poppies, beautifully evoked by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in his poem “In Flanders Fields” signify both a remembrance of those who have died and also a reawakening of hope and living. A nice addition to the night poppy display.

Peace and Remembrance

Liberty Memorial is bathed in poppies now through Veterans Day, November 11 in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I. The display also includes footage from 1918 in the center periodically.

Pink and Blue

The blue dusk and pink Bloch fountain inspired me.

Taps at the Tower

The Liberty Memorial is again presenting Taps at the Tower. A color guard displays the flags, and a wreath is presented to honor the men and women in our armed forces. Additionally, there is a recitation of the inscription from the Museum and Memorial’s north side Frieze reading, “These have dared bear the torches of sacrifice and service. Their bodies return to dust but their work liveth evermore. Let us strive on to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” It's a very moving ceremony.

All Aglow

The Liberty Memorial in its Christmas splendor.

Two Beacons on a Hill

The beautiful red tree was as impressive as the Liberty Memorial. I know they say it's not a colorful fall but I've certainly been enjoining the color.

Taps at the Tower

A retired admiral placed a memorial wreath in preparation for the playing of taps at the Liberty Memorial. Taps are played nightly at sunset, rain or shine, through June 24.

Fields of Battle 14-18

A very cool outdoor art exhibit at the Liberty Memorial of photos depicting the site of World War I battles as they are today - completely recovered from war devastation. Photographer is Michael St. Maur Sheil of Great Britain.