Kansas City’s historic Elmwood Cemetery celebrates its 153rd Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, by offering several special events and services. Elmwood, located at 4900 E. Truman Road, Kansas City, will open at 8:00am throughout the holiday weekend and remain open until 6:30pm each day.
Elmwood’s Memorial Day begins at 9:00am with the American flag being raised. The ceremony features the ROTC from Kansas City’s nearby East High School. Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.
At 9:30am, Elmwood will hold an Interfaith remembrance service in its Armour Memorial Chapel. The services will be led by several area clergy, including Rabbi Rachel Rothstein of B’nai Jehudah, Victor Dougherty of the Temple Buddhist Center and the Very Reverend Dr. Andrew Keyse, Dean of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. “We are delighted to present some special activities during Memorial Day and throughout the holiday weekend,” said Kurt Jordan, an Elmwood Cemetery Society Trustee and organizer of the Memorial Day events. “In addition, visitors can see all the good work we have done on our historic Armour Chapel and our new scattering garden.”
Elmwood will offer an Open House at the Armour Memorial Chapel throughout the weekend, from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day Monday. Built in 1903 in honor of Kansas City business leader Kirkland B. Armour, the chapel features hand-sculpted beams and uniquely beautiful stained-glass artwork. Recent chapel improvements include ADA-approved bathrooms, updated landscaping and a fully restored and operational bell tower.
“Our gates are open, and our Chapel is available throughout the year,” said Simon Abrahms, President of the Elmwood Cemetery Society. “But Memorial Day weekend allows us to put our best foot forward when the cemetery is in full spring bloom. We encourage families, neighbors and friends of Elmwood to come join us during this special holiday.”
Founded in 1872, Elmwood Cemetery is Kansas City’s second-oldest cemetery. More than 33,000 souls of all races, creeds and colors have been laid to rest within its 43 acres.
