Monday, November 1, is the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Liberty Memorial, now the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
Soon after the end of World War I, civic leaders formed the Liberty Memorial Association. Philanthropist William Volker helped acquire the land. Over a period of ten days 83,000 Kansas Citians raised 2.5 million dollars, equivalent to $35 million today. The success and rapidity of the fund raising is probably the reason the memorial ended up in Kansas City. WWI memorials were sprouting up all over the world. Out of the 40 million who lost their lives in WWI only around 400 were local.
The grounds are so beautiful. They have all kinds of events: Classic car shows, a Lyric Opera production. It was a central polling place on Nov. 3, 2020. And it’s been a site for covid vaccination drive.
I have been to the top of the tower. Some 35 years ago, long ago before the restoration. I also toured the inside. It was free back then, but deteriorating badly. I have been inside since it was restored for a lecture but have not toured the exhibits. It’s not quite free anymore, but maybe I’ll break down and spend the money. The exhibits that I remember from the 80s are trenches you can walk through to simulate the experience of the doughboys and a collection of posters selling liberty bonds — stunning art work.
The tower, which stands 40 feet tall, was carved by sculptor Robert Aitken. The top features four Guardian Spirits. Each Guardian carries a sword named for the virtue it represents: Honor, Courage, Patriotism, and Sacrifice.
Two Assyrian Sphinxes guard the south entrance of the Liberty Memorial. “Memory” faces east toward the battlefields of France, shielding its eyes from the horrors of war. “Future” faces west, shielding its eyes from an unknown future.