Honor veterans this Memorial Day weekend with free events, services in Wichita area

This Memorial Day offers many opportunities in Wichita and the surrounding area to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The extended weekend offers meaningful events for everyone, from special ceremonies and cemetery displays to patriotic concerts and grueling workouts in honor of a war hero.

We’ve compiled a list below, but if we’ve missed an event, let us know by emailing Kaitlyn Alatidd at kaitlyn.alatidd@wichitaeagle.com. All events are on Monday, May 25, unless otherwise noted.

Wichita

Blue Star Museums

Active duty military and up to 5 family members can visit participating Blue Star Museums for free from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Wichita museums include:

• Botanica
• Exploration Place
• Kansas African American Museum
• Kansas Aviation Museum
• Old Cowtown Museum
• Wichita Art Museum
• Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Visit the Blue Star Museums website for a full list and answers to frequently asked questions.

Flags of Freedom, IAM District Lodge #70, 3830 S. Meridian Ave.

Visit the Flags of Freedom, a display of 600 American flags honoring our veterans, hosted by United Way of the Plains and IAM & AW District Lodge 70, anytime of day through Memorial Day. You may also purchase a flag dedication at United Way of the Plains’ website for $30, with proceeds going toward the Veterans Ride Free program that provides veterans with free rides to jobs, medical care, groceries and more. Dedications must be purchased by May 25.

Lakeview Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th St. N., 10 a.m.

Attend this annual Memorial Day service honoring those who gave all in service to our country. Featured speakers include celebrant Kay Waller, Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscok and Chief Master Sgt. Markiesha Crawford, 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base. Huron Breaux will perform special music.

Resthaven Mortuary & Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. U.S. 54, 11 a.m.

This annual Memorial Day service includes featured speakers Congressman Ron Estes, Mayor Lily Wu and Col. Joseph D. “Joe” Wall, Commander, 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base. The Jayhawk Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will do a flyover during the service.

Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Pkwy, 11 a.m.

Retired Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, who served as the Kansas Adjutant General from 2020 to 2023, will speak during a commemoration at the Flag Pavilion of Veterans Memorial Park. The Marine Corps League will render a 3-volley rifle salute prior to Taps. Fifteen minutes after the event ends, the Delano Wind Ensemble will perform a patriotic band concert at the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

D1 Training East Wichita,12938 E. 21st N. Suite 120, 8:30 a.m.

This Wichita fitness center is hosting a Murph workout — a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run — in memory of our veterans. The event is free and open to the community.

Wilbur Middle School, 340 N. Tyler Rd., 9 a.m.

Join wear blue: run to remember this Memorial Day for a free 5K run that honors the sacrifice of the military. All abilities are invited to participate.

Highland Cemetery, 1005 N. Hillside Ave.

The Historic Wichita Mausoleum at Highland Cemetery will be open for viewing, and historians will be available from 2-4 p.m. to answer questions. Visitors are invited to bring a lawn chair to stay and talk.

Derby

Hillcrest Cemetery, 10102 E. 95th St. S., 11 a.m.

Col. Jermaine O. Campbell, Commander of the 931st Maintenance Group at McConnell Air Force Base, will speak at this public event honoring all who have served.

Hesston

Hesston Cemetery, 504 W. Lincoln Blvd., 11 a.m.

State Rep. Mike King, R-Hesston, is the featured speaker of this event, which will recognize the three U.S. service members who were killed in the war with Iran. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Hesston City Shop across the street from the cemetery.

Park City

Park Centre Fitness Court, 2138 E. Beaumont St., 9 a.m.

Fitness club F3 Wichita is also hosting a Murph Challenge, named after Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after serving in Afghanistan. The workout includes a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run. The free event is open to all and modifications to the workout are allowed.

Winfield

Winfield Veterans Cemetery, 1208 N. College St., 10 a.m.

This Memorial Day service will also include a garden expansion dedication.

Memorial Day closures

Many Wichita facilities and services will be closed or have limited hours over Memorial Day Weekend. Here’s a list of some of those closures.

Saturday closures

• CityArts

Sunday closures

• CityArts
• Wichita Public Library locations

Monday closures

• Animal Shelter
• Brooks Landfill
• CityArts
• City Hall
• Cowtown
• Environmental Health office
• Great Plains Nature Center
• Mid-American All-Indian Museum
• Neighborhood resource centers
• Park administrative offices & Recreation centers
• Transit administrative offices
• WATER Center
• Wichita Art Museum
• Wichita Public Library locations
• Wichita Transit and Paratransit services

Reduced hours

• O.J. Watson Park closes at 6 p.m., with rides closing at 5 p.m.
• Wichita Public Pools will be open 1-5 p.m. Monday, with Splash Pads 10 a.m.-8 p.m.