Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program and Activities Announced for Mall of America Event on June 13-15
June 04 2024 - 9:00AM
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 andVeterans Museum
and the American Veterans TravelingTribute 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 andVeterans Museum
and the American Veterans TravelingTribute 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 Programwith 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. and2:45 p.m. |
Free Movie screening: Welcome Home! A Nation’s Tributeto 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 andVeterans 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 Tributeto 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 MDVAThe 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 |
|