/mdva/assets/2025-11-11-veterans-day-flyer_tcm1066-707005.pdfThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is proud to host the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the National Guard Armory in Mankato.

The day will begin with a free community breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the official program from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Attendees are also welcomed to stay for a 90-minute World War II documentary screening hosted by the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum. The event is free and open to the public.

For the first time, the state’s hosted event is moving outside of the Twin Cities—landing in Mankato where many Veterans call home. This marks the beginning of a statewide rotation, giving more communities the chance to host this meaningful celebration in the years ahead. This year’s gathering is expected to welcome 300 to 400 Veterans, their families and supporters for a day of honor and reflection.

The program commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and features a keynote address by Kyle Ward, Ph.D., Director of Social Studies Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dr. Ward, a historian and author of six books—including two on Minnesota military units—will highlight the impact Minnesota Veterans had on the outcome of the WWII and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.

Additional remarks will be delivered by MDVA officials, members of Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation, Major General Shawn Manke of the Minnesota National Guard and Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis.

A highlight of the program each year is the “Armed Forces Salute,” where Veterans stand and sing along to their branch’s anthem. This year’s music will be performed by 40 student members of the Maverick “MAV” Machine Athletic Band from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, marking the end of World War I. The significance is that the ceasefire was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It became a national holiday in 1938 and honors all American Veterans—those deceased and still living—who served during war or in peacetime. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors the fallen, Veterans Day is a celebration of all Veterans.

A livestream of the event will be available on our event page, beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The program will also be accessible for future viewing. MDVA’s eight Veterans Homes across the state will also host local celebrations. Contact your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for details on where to find other community celebrations.