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Revised Soldier’s Memorial Opens . . .
In Time for Veteran’s Day
Instant Downtown Attraction
Text by Bob Lindsey
Following a two-year, $30 million renovation, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum reopened to the public on Nov. 3, as a state-of-the-art museum facility honoring military service members, veterans and their families under the leadership of the Missouri Historical Society.
Soldiers Memorial reopens in the heart of downtown ahead of Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2018, which marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.
Anyone who has visited the museum before the massive renovation will be astonished to see the many expanded upgrades and exhibits which will put it on another of the free must-see attractions to visitors to our community. There is much new to see from the renovation of the previously closed lower level to the restored Gold Star Mothers mosaic on the ceiling, to the nearly total renovation and preservation of the metalwork, lights fixtures and the iconic Walker Hancock statues. And then there are new look exhibits with giant posters on the wall of our military throughout American history. The main level features St. Louis in Service from pre- World I to post World War II, up to conflicts in 2000 and beyond.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENOVATION
Soldiers Memorial Reopens After Two-year $30 Million Renovation
Following a two-year, $30 million renovation, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum reopens to the public on Nov. 3 as a state-of-the-art museum facility that honors military service members, veterans and their families under the operational leadership of the Missouri Historical Society.
Completed in 1938 as a monument to St. Louisans who lost their lives in World War I, Soldiers Memorial reopens in the heart of downtown ahead of Veterans Day 2018.
To commemorate this important centennial and to celebrate the grand reopening of Soldiers Memorial Military Museum a variety of activities and programs will be available through Monday, Nov. 12.
The new exhibits, St. Louis in Service and WWI: St. Louis and the Great War will be open daily at Soldiers Memorial from 10 am to 5 pm. Flag raising and lowering ceremonies will take place daily at Soldiers Memorial from Nov. 3- 12.
The grand reopening continues all week long. Explore the revitalized Soldiers Memorial and Court of Honor from 10 am to 5 pm.
Saturday, Nov. 10
Join the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum for the 35th Annual St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Observance and Welcome Home Ceremony. The US Postal Service will conduct a stamp cancellation commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice from 11 am to 1 pm. Food trucks will be available from 10 am to 2 pm.
The 35th Annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at Chestnut St. and Tucker Blvd. at noon, with a review stand in front of Soldiers Memorial.
Sunday, Nov. 11,
The American Legion 11th and 12th District will present its annual veterans ceremony and wreath laying at 10:55 am at Soldiers Memorial.
Monday, Nov. 12
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is open for Veterans Day, regular operating hours from 10 am to 5 pm.
As part of the Missouri History Museum’s Primm Lecture Series, author James Wright will discuss his book Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War at 7 pm at the Missouri History Museum. Books will be available for purchase.
In addition to the activities at Soldiers Memorial, community partners are hosting events throughout the region as part of the celebration. A variety of assistance programs for veterans will be available at a variety of locations. For information on grand reopening week events happening throughout the area and the assistance programs offered to Veterans visit http://mohistory.org/memorial/reopening-week-events/.
The Missouri Historical Society operates Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, located in downtown St. Louis. Honors military service members, veterans, and their families. Exhibits offer a comprehensive look at American military history through the lens of St. Louis. Soldiers Memorial offers programs and outreach services including special exhibits; tours; theatrical and musical presentations; events and services for the military community; programs for school classes; special events; workshops; and lectures. The revitalization of Soldiers Memorial was paid for by anonymous donors to the Missouri Historical Society. Learn more: mohistory.org/memorial.
The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) makes history meaningful and accessible through its three physical locations in St. Louis: the Missouri History Museum, the Library & Research Center, and the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum (opening Nov. 2018). MHS has been active in the St. Louis community since 1866. Founding members established the organization “for the purpose of saving from oblivion the early history of the city and state.” Today, MHS serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues. Collecting for more than 150 years, MHS houses one of the largest collections of artifacts and historical materials of any regional history institution in the United States.
Soldiers’ Memorial Contact Information:
MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112; Phone: (314) 746-4599
LIBRARY & RESEARCH CENTER, 225 S Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105; Phone: (314) 746-4500
SOLDIERS MEMORIAL, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, MO 63103; Phone: (314) 818-6780
