/mdva/assets/2025-11-11-veterans-day-flyer_tcm1066-707005.pdfYou are invited to attend the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration - this year hosted at the Mankato National Guard Armory.

100 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Mankato, MN 56001

The program is free and open to the public. No registration nor RSVP is required.

Agenda

• 8:30 a.m. - Free Community breakfast
• 10:00 a.m. - Official program
• 11:30 a.m. - WWII documentary film screening (optional)

Highlights

• Remarks by state and local elected officials, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke and the Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis Beth Richardson
• North Mankato Post 518 American Legion Color Guard
• Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum WWII historical display
• 90-minute PBS WWII documentary film screening following the official program

Keynote Speaker: Kyle Ward, Ph.D., Director of Social Studies Education - Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dr. Kyle Ward works with future Social Studies teachers and offers classes through the History Department on U.S. History, World War II and the Holocaust. He completed his Ph.D. from Indiana State University and has written six books, including two on military units from Minnesota. Dr. Ward’s presentation will focus on commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the importance of capturing stories of those who served.

Special Greeting: Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis

Beth Richardson was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada's Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Ms. Richardson works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties; reinforce security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Musical guest: Minnesota State University, Mankato Maverick “MAV” Machine Marching Band

Members from the Maverick "MAV" Machine Athletic Band will provide music during the official program. The marching band is comprised of 180 students and community musicians that entertain audiences and bring spirit, energy and enthusiasm to athletic and community events locally, nationally and globally. Approximately 40 band members will perform at the celebration.

For more information on this event, contact MDVA.Communications@state.mn.us.

Learn more about the history of Veterans Day.

Thank you to the following for their support of this event:

• The Minnesota National Guard Armory - Mankato
• Minnesota Military & Veteran Museum
• AMVETS Color Guard
• Mankato Fire Department
• Minnesota State University, Mankato ROTC

If you are unable to attend, a livestream of the event will be available here. The stream will be live starting at 9:45 a.m. with the program beginning at 10 a.m. The recorded version of the event will remain on the website for future viewing.