FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair's 12th Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is Honoring Vietnam Veterans.

"Today, we want to honor our nation’s Vietnam Veterans. There are more than 5.8 million Vietnam Veterans living in America and 97,000 living in Minnesota,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard's Adjutant General. “This day is for all service members and their families who have given much to defend our state and nation.”

“The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to honor our Vietnam War-era Veterans at this year’s State Fair,” said MDVA’s Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “MDVA is here to serve Minnesota’s almost 300,000 Veterans and their families and encourages them to visit our State Fair booths, on Military Appreciation Day in Dan Patch Park and throughout the 12 days of the fair in the Education Building to learn more about the benefits you have earned.”

Military Appreciation Day is presented by USAA (United Services Automobile Association) and coordinated by the Minnesota National Guard.

“I am grateful for USAA’s Military Affairs Representative and Navy veteran, Mike Magnetta, as we worked together to make this day special for Vietnam Veterans and all who have raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect our nation,” said Army 1st Sgt. Beth Dedic, Military Appreciation Day’s project officer.

Military Appreciation Day’s official ceremony commences at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, at the Minnesota State Fair’s Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Minnesota’s leaders will recognize Vietnam Veterans as they celebrate 50 years since the last troops left Vietnam. The program concludes with a flyover from four Blackhawk helicopters from the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Concert Band performance follows at 10:30 a.m.

Starting at 11:20 a.m., Vietnam Veterans will march (leisurely stroll) from Leinie Lodge to Dan Patch Park. The march is open to all Vietnam Veterans - line up begins at 11 a.m. on Cosgrove Street (East of Leinie Lodge). Fair goers are encouraged to line the way and cheer on our Veterans as they pass by to give them the recognition they deserve.

Since 2010, the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network, and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have partnered with Mr. Tom Lyons and iHeartMedia Minneapolis to create the weekly, state-wide syndicated radio program and podcast Minnesota Military Radio. Minnesota Military Radio will host their show near the iHeartMedia Booth, where MDVA’s interim commissioner is a guest host on the show at noon, and the Guard’s adjutant general is a guest host at 1:30 p.m.

Fifty educational and military-connected booths will be located at Dan Patch Park, along with entertainment on the Dan Patch Park stage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performances throughout the afternoon by various 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Band ensembles with the fan-favorite the Red Devils (rock band) performing at 3:30 to 4 p.m. and 4:10 to 5 p.m.

The State Fair offers discounted tickets ($13 rate) for military members, veterans, and their families on August 29 with documentation at the gate. For more information on the Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair, go to mnstatefair.org.

Editor’s Note: To schedule a media interview about Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day, contact Lt. Col. Kristen Augé at 651-282-4410 or kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil.

To schedule a media interview with MDVA’s Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay, contact Communications Director Anne Sonnee at 651-263-2640 or anne.sonnee@state.mn.us.

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About the Minnesota National Guard
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has nearly than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. News, insights, and perspectives from the Minnesota National Guard are available at MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.

About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims and outreach. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.