ST. PAUL, Minn., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is announcing the schedule of activities during the commemoration event marking 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, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, view Vietnam War documentaries and more. In addition, on Friday June 14, 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.
Thursday, June 13
| Time | Activity | Mall of America Location |
| 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair | North Atrium, 2nd Floor |
| 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall | North Atrium, 1st Floor |
| 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Live recording of Minnesota Military Radio Program | North Atrium, 2nd Floor |
Friday, June 14
| Time | Activity | Mall of America Location |
| 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair | North Atrium, 2nd Floor |
| 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall | North Atrium, 1st Floor |
| 10:30 - 11 a.m. | Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band | Huntington® Bank Rotunda |
| 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Vietnam War 50th anniversary Commemoration Program with music, speakers and storytelling | Huntington® Bank Rotunda |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Complimentary Vietnam Veterans Brunch | North Atrium, 2nd Floor in Resource Fair |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band | Huntington® Bank Rotunda |
| 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. | Free Movie screening: Welcome Home! A Nation’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans | B&B Theaters, Mall of America 4th floor |
Saturday, June 15
| Time | Activity | Mall of America Location |
| 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair | North Atrium, 2nd Floor |
| 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall | North Atrium, 1st Floor |
| 12:15 p.m. | Free Movie screening: Welcome Home! A Nation’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans | B&B Theaters, Mall of America 4th floor |
For Veterans who need transportation to the event, MDVA is working with Veteran Service Organizations around the state to organize transportation on buses that will travel to Mall of America on Friday, June 14 in the early morning and return to their communities later that afternoon. For more details, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50.
“We are honored to host this event that recognizes the crucial contributions and deep sacrifices made by our Vietnam Veterans and Allies of the United States during the war,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “It is a great opportunity for all Minnesotans to show our gratitude and honor our Vietnam Veterans in whatever capacity or branch they served.”
MDVA is looking for Vietnam-era Veterans to share their stories and experiences about their service during the war as part of the Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project. Veterans who wish to participate by being interviewed will record a video of their story, which will be archived and preserved as part of the project. Anyone interested in participating or learning more can contact Bess Ellenson at bellenson@tunheim.com.
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.
Media Contacts:
| Sandi Scott | Steve McCarthy |
| Tunheim | Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs |
| sscott@tunheim.com | Steven.McCarthy@state.mn.us |
| 651 -208-4582 | 763- 388-1096 |
