FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair's 13th Military Appreciation Day takes place tomorrow, and this year’s theme is Honoring Military Spouses.

"Military spouses are the backbone of our armed forces,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard's Adjutant General. “Just as our service members serve our nation with courage and commitment, military spouses serve with equal strength and dedication. Their role, whether it's supporting a partner through the challenges of active duty, the commitments of the Guard and Reserve, or the demands of daily life is not just crucial, it's irreplaceable.”

“The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to honor our military spouses at this year’s State Fair,” said MDVA’s 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, retired Sgt. Maj. Shawn Isaacson, as we worked together to make this day special for military spouses 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 27, at the Minnesota State Fair’s Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Minnesota’s leaders will recognize military spouses for their shared sacrifice in supporting our nation’s defense. The program concludes with a flyover from four Blackhawk helicopters from the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Concert Band performance follows at 10:30 a.m.

Starting at 12:30 p.m., a recognition ceremony for military spouses with their currently serving military member, will take place at Dan Patch Park. Fair goers are encouraged to join in the ceremony to thank military spouses.

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 iHeartMedia Minneapolis to create the weekly, state-wide syndicated radio program and podcast Minnesota Military Radio. Minnesota Military Radio’s host, retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Wortham, will hold the show near the iHeartMedia Booth, where MDVA’s commissioner is a guest co-host on the show at noon, and the Guard’s adjutant general is a guest co-host at 1:30 p.m.

Nearly 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 1:30 to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.

The State Fair offers discounted tickets ($13 rate) for military members, veterans, and their families on August 27 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 Commissioner Brad Lindsay, contact Asst. Communications Director Steve McCarthy at 651-388-1096 or steven.mccarthy@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 mn.gov/mdva or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.