The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas (UG), along with Downtown Shareholders and several community partners, will host a Centennial Celebration to honor the 100th anniversary of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, better known as Memorial Hall.
The free, family-friendly event will take place Friday, Sept. 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 600 N. 7th St. in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Activities will be held both inside the historic building and on its grounds.
According to the UG, Memorial Hall was dedicated in 1925 to honor those who served in the armed forces. For a century, it has been a gathering place for the community and a landmark of civic pride.
“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.”
The evening will begin with live jazz and local vendors before a commemorative ceremony from 6 to 6:30 p.m. inside the auditorium. The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Tyrone Garner, historical reflections from retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jimmy Pulliam, a veterans tribute, and the unveiling of a special time capsule.
Afterward, guests can enjoy live music from Stranded in the City and outdoor entertainment from KCK native DJ Joe Straws. Dancing is encouraged. The evening will also feature food trucks, games, military and public safety vehicle displays, historical tours, giveaways, and the unveiling of two newly renovated veterans’ rooms.
At 8 p.m., attendees will be invited to join in a “Centennial Group Selfie” that will be placed inside the time capsule before it is sealed.
Vendors will include local favorites such as Tacos la Chona, Swifts Cajun Cuisine, Double MM Filipino Cuisine, Lemonade Llamas, inDOUGHlgence Cookie Dough, YummySnacks, and many more. Community groups such as the Wyandotte County Historical Museum, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Habitat KC, and Visit KCK will also be on site.
