On Nov. 11, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) hosted the official State Veterans Day event at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Mankato. The event drew between 300-350 Veterans, families, elected officials and community members from the Twin Cities and the greater Mankato area to pay tribute to those who served. The program began with a community breakfast, followed by a formal ceremony featuring remarks from MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay, Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Consul General of Canada Beth Richardson, along with attendance by more than ten state and local officials.

Highlights of the ceremony included a keynote address by professor and historian Kyle Ward, Ph.D., of Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU). Ward reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and emphasized the importance of preserving the stories and experiences of all Veterans. MSU made a strong showing at the event, with Ward’s remarks complemented by the high-energy MAV Machine Marching Band—42 students and their band directors—who provided music throughout the program. MSU ROTC students also volunteered as greeters, welcoming guests at the door.

Additional local contributions enriched the event. The Mankato Fire Department staged a fire truck outside the Armory and the North Mankato Post 518 American Legion Color Guard formally presented the colors. The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, opening in fall 2026 near Camp Ripley, displayed World War II uniforms and artifacts and hosted a post-event screening of wartime documentary films.

The success of the day was also made possible by the support and volunteerism of the Mankato-based Minnesota National Guard service members and Armory staff.

The Mankato Armory: A Cornerstone of Readiness and Pride in Southern Minnesota

The celebration marked the first time in MDVA’s history that the official State Veterans Day event was held outside the Twin Cities.

As a battalion headquarters, the Mankato Armory is one of Minnesota’s largest, supporting countless active service and retired personnel. The Armory has long served as a hub for infantry units, training, mobilization and community engagement—making it a fitting venue for the state’s signature Veterans Day event. Its lineage runs deep, tracing back to infantry units whose history extends to the Civil War. The phrase “First Minnesota,” often associated with the Armory, reflects the National Guard’s proud legacy of being the first unit to volunteer to serve in the Civil War.

Looking ahead, MDVA aims to bring the annual State Veterans Day event to communities where Minnesota’s Veterans live—many of whom reside outside the Twin Cities. Out of the state’s nearly 290,000 Veterans, 53% live beyond the seven-county metro area.

The 2025 gathering at the Mankato Armory underscored Minnesota’s commitment to honoring those who served and the communities that support them. The location for the 2026 Veterans Day event will be announced later, continuing the commitment of bringing this gathering to Veteran communities across the state.

A recording of the 2025 Official State of MN Veterans Day Event is available to view.