Program Schedule
| Time | Events prior to June 13th |
| Open all day & night | June 11 to 15 - Replica of the National Vietnam Memorial Location: Lower Capitol Mall |
| TBD | June 12 to 14 - Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Location: Lower Capitol Wall |
| 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm | June 12 - Reflections on Vietnam, Veterans Panel Discussion - Minnesota Historical Society Listen in and ask questions during two panel presentations made by Vietnam veterans. The first panel starts at 1 p.m. and is titled "Reflections on Our Return." The second panel starts at 3:30 p.m. and it titled "Not Forgotten: P.O.W.S, M.I.A.S, U.S. Allies." Presenters include Mike McDonald and John Warren as well as David Claypool, commander of the American Ex-POWs Department of Minnesota, and Clark Dyrud, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Location: Minnesota History Center |
Time |
June 13th Events |
| 9:00 a.m. | Gold Star Family Prayer Service An interfaith prayer service for the families of our fallen heroes and POW/MIA heroes. This service will enable families to meet and connect with others who have experienced the same loss. Location: |
| 9:30 a.m. | Minnesota Medal of Honor Plaque Dedication The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (www.mnctf.org) and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (www.mdva.state.mn.us) has commissioned a plaque to honor the fifty-five Minnesota Medal of Honor recipients associated with the state. These individuals have served in every conflict beginning with the Civil War and have helped maintain freedom and liberty during times of peace. Location: Court of Honor |
| 10:30 a.m. | Remembrance Ceremony Music and words to remember the fallen and missing. A POW/MIA prayer will be read by Jim Wendt. Rev. Bob Battle, a Vietnam Era Veteran, will share reflections on his service, life after Vietnam and a prayer remembering those who fell and are still missing. Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 11:00 a.m. | Roll Call of KIA/MIA The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office will lead the roll call of the 1,080 Minnesotans who fell and the 43 who are missing from the Vietnam War. Names will be read by elected officials. Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 1:30 p.m. | Parade of Colors Color Guards, Honor Guards and Ceremonial Units from Minnesota's Veterans organizations will gather to demonstrate the solidarity of the Veterans community in their support and honor of Vietnam Era Veterans. More information if your unit is interested in participating. Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 2:00 p.m. | Flyover Vietnam Era Aircraft by T-6 Thunder (www.t-6thunder.com) Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 2:00 p.m. | Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans Celebration Speakers will include Governor Tim Pawlenty, MDVA Commissioner Clark Dyrud, Maj. Gen. Erlandson and other special guests. The keynote speaker will be Jon Hovde, author and Vietnam Veteran. Don Shelby from WCCO will be the master of ceremony. Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 3:00 p.m. | Flyover Missing Man Formation by T-6 Thunder (www.t-6thunder.com) Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 3:45 p.m. | Flyover F-16 Fighting Falcons by 148th Fighter Wing (Minnesota Air National Guard) Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 4:00 p.m. | Flyover C-130 Hercules by 133rd Airlift Wing (Minnesota Air National Guard) Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 4:03 p.m. | Evening Entertainment Laugh and dance the evening away with performances by: Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
| 5:00 p.m. | Flyover UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook by Minnesota Army National Guard Location: Court of Honor Main Stage |
Entertainment will end and the event site will close at 8:00 p.m. |
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All day attractions |
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Veterans Reunion Opportunities, by Branch Location: Lower Capitol Mall Find other Veterans Visit The Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans Meeting Central to reconnect with other Vietnam Veterans. Meeting Central is a Google Groups started by the event planning committee to help all Vietnam Veterans communicate with one and other about the June 13 Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans Celebration. You can leave messages and posting and arrange reunions with men and women you served with. http://groups.google.com/group/minnesota-honors-vietnam-era-veterans- |
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Crystal Military Museum will display era equipment, vehicles and aircraft Location: Upper Capitol Mall |
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Veterans Resource Tent Location: Lower Capitol Mall |
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Vintage Car Show Location: Upper Capitol Mall |
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Military Blood Drive As part of the event, Armed Forces Blood Program is hosting a blood drive. Blood collected on this date will go directly to the U.S. Military for use in Iraq and Afghanistan, Military hospitals in Germany and across the U.S. This blood drive is in honor of the Medics and Corpsmen who served during the Vietnam War. This group did all they could to save each and every wounded warrior. If you know a Vietnam Era Medic or Corpsman and wish to honor them, please bring their name and service information. Please consider making the blood drive a part of your day while honoring Vietnam era Veterans. Thank you for honoring yesterday's heroes by donating to save today's heroes! To schedule an appointment visit www.militarylifeforce.com/index.cfm?group=op&expand=15766&zc=55101. Location: St. Paul Armory |
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