Memorial Day tribute at WWI Museum honors Kansas City’s fallen soldiers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The National World War I Museum and Memorial hosted a heartfelt tribute honoring fallen soldiers, offering the community a place to and reflect.
The ceremony featured solemn moments, including a bell tolling and presentation of colors. The family of one fallen soldier was recognized by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver with a gold star in their honor.
“My son paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country,” Yohnka said. “He loved the Army. He loved this country.”
On Memorial Day, Andy Yohnka said he’s ing his son Grant, a former U.S. Army specialist stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks. Grant died during his service in 2002.
“I just hope people him as a fun-loving kid that just loved everybody. He absolutely loved everybody. He didn’t care who you were, he just loved you, he’d take you under his wing. That’s what I wish everybody would him as,” he said.
For others, the day brought memories of their fallen friends. Arnie Swift, a U.S. Army veteran who served as a chaplain’s assistant during the Vietnam War, ed writing letters home to the families of soldiers who never returned.
“Some gave all, and all gave some,” Swift said. “Freedom is not free, it comes at a cost.”
Swift said places like the World War I Museum and Arlington National Cemetery help keep those names alive. He is grieving the faces behind the names he addressed in the letters.
“The family needs to know that their son, or husband or whatever, died in honor,” he said. “He served his country very proudly and that he made a difference.”
Liz Kelley, a former member of the Dean Martin Golddiggers, also reflected on her service in Vietnam. In 1970, she performed for American troops alongside Bob Hope to help boost morale.
“He told me that I was the reason he stayed alive and I helped him to heal from his wounds,” Kelley said.
On Memorial Day, she continues to share her story in hopes others will listen and learn.
“For those who sacrificed everything for our freedom, I think it’s important that we all ,” she said.
In honor of those who died in the line of duty, attendees were invited to add the names of fallen soldiers to poppy blossoms displayed on the branches of the Trees of Remembrance.
At the World War I Museum, their memories live on. World War I research stations are open to the public during museum hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display is open to the public through Tuesday. This moving display of 140 U.S. flags calls attention to the fact that 140 veterans are lost to suicide every week.
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