National Air and Space Museum Commemorates 100th Anniversary of the End of the World War I and Veterans Day 2018  

October 29, 2018
News Release
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The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and Veterans Day through the exhibition “Artist Soldiers: Artistic Expression in the First World War” and a variety of programming. “Artist Soldiers” opened on the anniversary of the United States entering WWI, April 6, 2017, and features artwork by professional artists recruited to serve in the AEF during the war and art by soldiers on the front lines. It will close Nov. 12, the day after the centennial of the war. Programming for all ages will take place throughout the month of November and Veterans Day weekend at both museum buildings.

Scheduled events and programming will include:

“Remembering World War I: Stories from the Great War” Family Day—Saturday, Nov. 3

This family day will feature activities for all ages that explore a wide range of stories from WWI about technological advances that radically reshaped modern warfare, including aviation, and social experiences of the first large-scale industrial war that affected millions of people. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA., visitors will be able to listen to presentations by experts and take part in exhibition tours and hands-on activities. For more information, visit the museum’s website at http://airandspace.si.edu/remembering-world-war-i.

“A Silent Night: A WWI Memorial in Song”—Saturday, Nov. 10

This musical tribute will explore timeless themes of longing, loss, love and the search for peace in the wake of catastrophe. Starring baritone John Brancy and pianist Peter Dugan, this event will commemorate the war that changed the world and pay homage to the many composers who lived through, fought and died in WWI. The performance will include pieces from a variety of composers, including George Butterworth, Carl Orff, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Charles Ives. The program will take place at the National Museum of American History’s new Hall of Music. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. For more information, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/a-silent-night.

National Symphony Orchestra Concert—Monday, Nov. 12

The National Symphony Orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, will give a free concert to celebrate Veterans Day at 1 p.m. at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The concert will feature guest vocalist Nikki Renée Daniels and a program of music related to space, as well as American tunes and patriotic marches to honor veterans and all members of the U.S. Armed Forces past and present. For more information, visit: http://airandspace.si.edu/nso-veterans-day-concert.

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport. The museum building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. Both facilities are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free, but there is a $15 fee for parking before 4 p.m. at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

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SI-590-2018

Media Only

Alison Wood

202-633-2376

woodac@si.edu

Amy Stamm

202-633-2392

stamma@si.edu

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