Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City Skyline, with Union Station in the front

 
On our Kansas City ‘must see’ list was the World War I Museum and Monument in downtown Kansas City.   Located on top of a small hill on the south side of the city, the view of the Kansas City skyline was beautiful.   Although the Memorial was erected in 1921, the museum was opened just five years ago to display the ever-expanding collection of WWI memorabilia donated by the families of WWI vets as they passed away.   I thought I had a fairly good knowledge of U.S. history but this museum taught me how little I know about WWI .  Did you know that Japan was an ally during WWI?  Did you know that Indian code-talkers were first used during WW1?  Choctaw Indians from Oklahoma to be exact.  Did you know that women suffragists were arrested for picketing the White House, taking President Wilson to task for his call to “make the world safe for democracy” when half the American population (women) were barred from voting?   The women were jailed and then force-fed when they went on a hunger strike to protest.  Did you know that there was an American Protective League, 250,000 members, permitted by the Attorney General to “spy on dissidents, radicals, and “slackers” and to detain draft evaders?  I was amazed to learn of the many civilian protests and strikes against the governments of many European nations due to poor working conditions, low pay, rationing, and shortages.   There was even a mutiny of German seaman when they were ordered to return to sea when the war was obviously lost.  
Two officers were executed and over 300 men imprisoned.  The war ended just a few days later.   The exhibits ended with a short film regarding the Versailles Treaty and the decisions – right or wrong -  that were made as 
world leaders divided up Europe and established new countries and boundaries.  The last line on the screen asked a very thought-provoking question – Is peace really possible?  We were there when the museum opened at 10 a.m. and didn’t leave until almost 4 p.m.  I am sure we could go back again tomorrow and see many things we missed today.    




 
On our last day in the Kansas City area, we went to City Market, a farmers' market located along the river front in the city.  There were the usual fantastic displays of fruits, vegetables, and plants.  But there were also vendors with open spice bins and many different types of teas.  We didn't buy much - just some blueberries, homemade jam, and lunch.  

This is the end of our time in Missouri for this trip.  I'll send out a invitation to view all our photos on our KodakGallery website.  Let me know if you don't get the invite.