Our World War I Museum

Many noteworthy figures in American history hail from the Sixth Congressional District. Jesse James was notorious throughout Northwest Missouri, and today there are museums in St. Joseph, Kearney and Liberty that remember his exploits. Walt Disney developed his love of drawing in Marceline, and J.C. Penney got his start in Hamilton.

But it was another figure from our area whose name would become known internationally. John J. Pershing was born in Laclede in Linn County. "Black Jack" Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) of World War I. The AEF fought alongside British and French allies on the Western front.

In November 1921, less than 3 years after the war ended, Kansas Citians held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Liberty Memorial. It was the only time in history the supreme Allied commanders were together in one place, including John J. Pershing. This monument memorializes our veterans who died. It is an iconic symbol of Kansas City and, sadly, one of the only memorials to the Great War in our country.

I am a proud cosponsor, along with Representative Emanuel Cleaver, of H.R. 938. This bill would designate the Liberty Memorial and the National World War I Museum in Kansas City as our country's National World War I Memorial.

I encourage every Missourian to visit and experience this great guardian of history. We have a monument we can all be proud of and support, right here in our own backyard.

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