On March 29, our Nation commemorates National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This day is to remember and respect the nine million American men and women – more than six million of whom are living today – who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during our involvement in Vietnam from November 1, 1955 to May 7, 1975.  Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.

In Minnesota, we are proud to recognize more than 110,000 Vietnam-era Veterans, the largest group of Veterans among our total of 312,000. Vietnam-era Veterans served between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.

To learn more about the Vietnam experience, you can watch the Twin Cities PBS documentary called Minnesota Remembers Vietnam. This collaboration among the state’s six public television stations features the Story Wall, original documentaries, and a series of public screenings and commemorative events that seek to more fully remember, honor and understand the experience of 50 years ago.

The Minnesota Veterans Homes also have private recognitions planned for Residents.

• The Fergus Falls Veterans Home, we will be providing Residents who are Vietnam Veterans with a special lunch. Afterwards, there will be an informal program that includes a tribute to and introduction of all Vietnam Veterans in attendance, special music, a memorial wreath presentation, and the final role call for those who have passed this last year. All Vietnam Veterans will receive a Vietnam Vet T-Shirt, plus there will be door prizes! And to end the event, Residents will be invited to watch the movie Good Morning, Vietnam.
• The Luverne Veterans Home has 19 Vietnam-era Veterans residing there. The Home will be hosting two separate programs (to ensure social distancing of Residents from the two sections in the Home) and will be providing each Vietnam-era Veteran with a special t-shirt to wear that day to identify them and a certificate of appreciation. A catered lunch will feature BBQ ribs, a favorite meal among the Residents. A slide show of Vietnam-era Veterans will scroll on the monitors in the common areas throughout the day. The Home Chaplain is also interviewing the Veterans about life at that time.
• The Hastings Veterans Home/Domiciliary Program will be honored to host David Bilt, Purple Heart Vietnam Veteran, who will speak to Veterans and staff. AMVETs Post 10 will present the colors. Jason Taylor, Hastings Resident Veteran, will read original poem. The program will also include virtual music and refreshments.
• In honor of Vietnam Veterans Day the Silver Bay Veterans Home will be showing a program from Voice of Vets, Inc. titled Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans.  This will be shown for each of our households and we will also serve a decorated cake.
• The Minneapolis Veterans Home will be serving root beer floats at 2 p.m. in all the units. There will be an announcement poster on display as well as a slide show that will display Residents who are Vietnam War Veterans. A special menu for the day will include a pot roast dinner and special deserts.

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