The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was proud to host Minnesota Veterans Homes Week from May 11-17. This annual event honors our dedicated staff who care for Veteran Residents and their families as well as one another.

In 2025, our theme was Legacy of Service and our eight Veterans Homes—in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay—hosted a week of celebratory activities to create a joyful environment focused on saying “thank you” to team members who work 24/7/365 to serve those who have served our nation.

Every day offered the opportunity to make our employees feel a heightened sense of recognition and appreciation; each location customized a series of events that reflected the culture and personality specific to their campus and brought a sense of whimsy to their regular schedules.

Food treats are always a hit with our staff, so nacho spreads, yogurt parfait bars, customized waffles for breakfast, ice cream socials, pizza parties, picnics and potluck lunches were very well received. Sites enjoyed visits from local performing artists, including singers, dancers, instrumentalists and caricaturists. Dress-up/theme days delivered a sense of whimsy as individuals donned garments for Travel Day, Sports Day and even Game Show Day. For an extra treat, the Bemidji Veterans Home leadership team washed their employees’ cars!

One of the most unique activities included the burial of a time capsule at one of our newer Homes, located in Preston. The team included photos, a commemorative program and lapel pin from their 2024 dedication ceremony, newspaper clippings reflecting the Home’s long journey to opening and personal notes about what it means to make a difference in a hero’s life. This capsule, intended to be opened in 25 years, will allow future employees to recall and understand the legacy of service delivered by those who came before them and to demonstrate what makes our workplaces so special.

To learn more about how our Homes serve Minnesota Veterans, click here.