Help Us Celebrate 100 Years of the Iconic Memorial Hall This Friday

Help Us Celebrate 100 Years of the Iconic Memorial Hall This Friday

Published on September 08, 2025

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG), in partnership with the Downtown Shareholders and a host of community organizations, are excited to host a special Centennial Celebration honoring the 100^th anniversary of the historic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, now known to many as Memorial Hall in downtown Kansas City, Kansas (600 N. 7^th Street, KCK). Memorial Hall was dedicated in 1925 to honor the brave men and women who served in the armed forces, and it has remained a pillar of civic pride and remembrance ever since.

This FREE family-friendly community celebration will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM inside and outside on the grounds of Memorial Hall. Community members are welcomed to an evening packed with fun and engaging activities, including a special commemorative ceremony inside the Memorial Hall auditorium honoring veterans from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Following the commemorative ceremony, community members are invited to dance the night away while enjoying live music performed by band "Stranded in the City" and outside sounds by KCK native "DJ Joe" Straws.

There will be tons of great local vendors, historical displays and tours, food trucks, games, military and public safety vehicle displays, as well as many giveaways and fun surprises. During the evening, guests will be able to experience the special unveiling of the two recently renovated veteran's rooms.

"This celebration is not just about a building," said County Administrator David Johnston. "It's about the legacy of service, the strength of our community, and the shared memories created over the past 100 years in Memorial Hall."

Event Highlights Include: 9/12/2025

5:30 PM - Event Kickoff (Live Jazz, while supporting local vendors and exploring Memorial Hall)
6:00 PM - Special Commemorative Ceremony (Memorial Hall Auditorium) 6:35 PM - Live music performed by Stranded in the City

• Opening Remarks and Prayer
• National Anthem & Honor Guard
• Veterans Tribute and Moment of Silence
• Memorial Hall Centennial Proclamation presented by Mayor Tyrone Garner
• Historical Reflections by KCK Native and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Jimmy Pulliam
• Unveiling of Special Memorial Hall Centennial time capsule
• Ceremony closing remarks to kick-off live band performance

6:40 PM - Stranded in the City to hit the stage to perform tunes from previous Memorial Hall legends - Dancing is strongly encouraged!
8:00 PM - Memorial Hall Centennial Group Selfie (To be included in the Centennial time capsule)
8:10 PM - Finalize and seal the Memorial Hall Centennial time capsule

About Memorial Hall

Designed by Rose & Peterson, the venue opened in 1925 as a civic auditorium and war memorial for World War I veterans. Over the decades, some of the biggest musical acts of all time performed at Memorial Hall, including Patsy Cline, Elton John, and the Funkadelics, to name a few. The building has also been host to many memorials, graduations, weddings, weekly dances, competitions, wrestling, roller derby, and so much more.

Media Coverage Encouraged

Media are welcome to attend and cover this once in a lifetime event. Interview opportunities with local officials, veterans, and historians will be available on-site. For media inquiries, please contact Krystal McFeders at [email protected] or at 913-231-9846.

Whether you're a long-time Wyandotte County/ KCK resident or a first-time visitor, the Memorial Hall Centennial Celebration promises to be a memorable evening for all. It will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Memorial Hall Centennial Promotional Video

Check out this Memorial Hall Centennial celebration promotional video that highlights 100 years of captured memories.

We look Forward to Celebrating the Rich History of Memorial Hall as we Prepare for the next 100 Years!

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