What a wonderful, long overdue event we had last weekend as we commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

We were so grateful to host hundreds of Vietnam-era Veterans, their families and survivors as Minnesotans expressed its appreciation to those who served. From the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum displays and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall to the active resource fair and oral history recordings, Vietnam Veterans had an opportunity to connect, heal and feel the gratitude of their communities.

We also honored the service of our Southeast Asian allies, many of whom now call Minnesota their home. Leaders from the Cambodian, Hmong and Laotian communities shared artifacts and displays of their role in the “secret war.”

A highlight of the three-day celebration was the program on Friday, June 14 when we heard from Vietnam Veterans Pam Barrows and Larry Mahoney.

• Barrows joined the U.S. Army in 1967 at the age of 21 after finishing nursing school in Denver. She deployed to Vietnam in March 1968 and served with the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku located in the central highlands of Vietnam. Barrows left Vietnam in March of 1969 and returned to civilian life serving in various capacities as a nurse. She finished her career as the Interim Deputy Commissioner for the Minnesota Veterans Homes.
• Army Captain and Vietnam Veteran Larry Mahoney served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, with the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. As a lieutenant, he ran logistics for the major supply depot in DaNang. He published a book this past fall - A Soldier’s Story, which appeared in the May 12th edition of New York Times Book Review.

You can hear both of their remarks and the entire program on our website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50.

This commemoration program coincidentally took place on Flag Day, a symbol of the freedoms that our military service has fought for and protects. A huge United States flag hung from the ceiling in the four-story rotunda in the Mall of America, where he held our program. It set the stage perfectly.

While this event has concluded, our commitment to serve Minnesota Veterans and their families continues. We are grateful that many introductions were made and connections were created between Veterans and the 30-some organizations that attended the resource fair. Vietnam-era Veterans – like all Veterans – deserve the Federal and State benefits they have earned.

Start making your connections by visiting our website, contacting your County Veterans Service Officer, or calling LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service! And welcome home!