February 25 at 2:30 Central
Soon after World War I ended, Kansas City leaders formed the Liberty Memorial Association (LMA) to create a lasting monument to the men and women who served in the war. In 1919, the LMA and citizens of Kansas City raised more than $2.5 million in just 10 days. The equivalent of more than $40 million today, this staggering accomplishment reflected the passion of public sentiment for the Great War that had dramatically changed the world. In 1921, more than 100,000 people gathered to see the supreme Allied commanders dedicate the site of the Liberty Memorial. This was the first time in history these five leaders were together in one place. The local veteran chosen to present flags to the commanders was a Kansas City haberdasher, Harry S Truman.
Construction on the classical Egyptian Revival-style monument was completed in 1926 and the Liberty Memorial was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in front of more than 150,000 people.
Approaching its centennial, 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. It holds the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects and documents in the world. Visitors are taken on an epic journey through a transformative period through which deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism, and sacrifice are shared. Join us for this Theodore Talk to learn more about what you will experience when touring this museum during the 2024 AG in Kansas City. It is a visit you will never forget.
Theodore Talks take place on Zoom the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. Central Time (3:30 Eastern, 12:30 Pacific, 8:30 GMT). Register for this presentation here. Registration rates are free for all members.
You must register for each lecture with an email address associated with your Zoom account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for a free Zoom account.
Even if you can’t attend the live Theodore Talk, as long as you register you will receive a link to a recording of the event. All Theodore Talks have Closed Captioning enabled.
For more information, contact Brad Lucht.