Kansas City Remembers World War II

The War at Home

KCPT Explores the Kansas City W.W. II Experience

Ken Burns' The War explores the experiences of four quintessential American towns during W.W. II. On this page, you can learn more about Kansas City's experiences as well as share your memories.

Below, you will find links where you can view video interviews of local veterans from the Library of Congress and the Independence Veterans Hall project at the Truman Memorial Building, view video clips from Over Here: The Story of Kansas City and World War II and hear the stories of the men and women who were "over there" through video clips of Kansas City's Hometown Honorees. You may also explore the stories of veterans from across the nation. Kansas City area veterans may also share their own stories.

This page also features links to locations of local war and soldier memorials, books about the war from area authors and other sources of information about this fascinating struggle for the freedom of humanity.

Visit Ken Burns' THE WAR on PBS.ORG.

Stories

Independence Veterans Hall View video interviews of local veterans from the Independence Veterans Hall project at the Truman Memorial Building.

Over Here: The Story of Kansas City and World War II View video clips from this KCPT documentary.

Hometown Salutes View video clips of Kansas City's hometown honorees.

Local Interviews Leawood resident Gary Swanson is collecting the personal narratives of local veterans from all wars for the Veterans History Project.

Viewer Stories Explore personal stories about WWII from viewers across the country.

How to Participate

Share Your Story KCPT is collecting stories from our community about the war. You can search these local stories as well as similar ones from across the country.

Independence Veterans Hall The City of Independence is still looking for veterans to record their military service stories. For more information or to schedule an appointment to record a story call 816-325-7843. Veterans' Hall (Truman Memorial Building) 416 W. Maple Independence, MO 64050

Veterans History Project (Library of Congress) Every veteran has his or her own war, and each is custodian of a unique story and memories. The Veterans History Project treasures the personal narratives sent by veterans from all wars. Vivid as if they happened yesterday, these heartfelt accounts make us laugh, cry and remember. The stories are not a formal history of war, but a treasure trove of individual feelings and personal recollections. Learn how you can participate in The Veterans History Project.

Learn More

Memorials & Museums Visit local war memorials and museums.

Read About It World War II books by local authors.

Watch a Movie The Kansas City Public Library showcases some of the best Hollywood films focused on World War II as part of the Central Film Series in September, operating under the Hollywood at War theme. Scheduled on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Stanley H. Durwood Film Vault at the Central Library, this program is inspired by the eagerly awaited seven-part PBS documentary on World War II from director Ken Burns, which starts airing on September 23.

Links Browse these links for more information.