(St Paul, MN) — April 24, 2024 — The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to announce it is hosting the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.
Over the three days, attendees can see historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and watch screenings of Vietnam War documentaries, view the American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall and walk through a Resource Fair which will provide valuable resources and information for Minnesota Vietnam Veterans and their families. On Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans.
The event will highlight the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, recognize the crucial contributions and deep sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War, and provide an opportunity for healing, thanking and honoring Minnesota Vietnam Veterans, in whatever branch or capacity they served.
“We are humbled to honor our Minnesota Vietnam-era Veterans and allies of the United States through this special event. This group of Veterans made great sacrifices fighting a very difficult war and did not receive a warm welcome when they returned,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “We hope this event will provide gratitude and healing for our Veterans, our allies and their families, and provide them the opportunity connect with other Vietnam Veterans and learn about valuable resources available to them.”
More information will be provided soon regarding event details, transportation and other logistics. This event is open to the public.
For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50.
About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims and outreach. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-888-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA®
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.