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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
Veterans organizations from around the state and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are teaming up for what is expected to be the largest Vietnam Veteran event in Minnesota History. Thousands of Veterans, families, friends and supporters are expected to gather June 13 on the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds to honor and remember all Veterans who served during the Vietnam era.
The event will highlight the presence of Vietnam era veterans in Minnesota and the deep connection they have to the community. Speakers, special guests, displays and entertainment will serve to highlight the experience of Vietnam era veterans over the past 30 years and allow the Minnesota community to show their appreciation.
Over the decades, the state of Minnesota has taken steps to recognize those who served. A Vietnam Veterans memorial was dedicated in 1997, and in 2008, legislation creating a state Vietnam Veterans Day was signed into law by Governor Pawlenty. In this tradition, the Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans celebration will continue to unite Veterans and the community.
As a member in the U.S. Army Reserves, with two sons who are Captains in the U.S. Army, and both whom have served overseas, I understand what our courageous soldiers go through. The least we can do is set aside June 13 to remember those who have served in Vietnam. I hope that many of you can join me on the State Capitol Grounds to honor these brave men and women.
On the grounds will be the replica of the National Vietnam Memorial. The “traveling wall” as it is sometimes referred to, is a three-fifths scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. It stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. That will be open for public viewing from June 11 – 14.
The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office will lead the roll call of the 1,080 Minnesotans who died and the 43 who are missing from the Vietnam War. I will be reading names starting at 11:05 am on the 13th. Other elected officials will be reading names from the list as well.
Other events include a Gold Star Family Prayer Service, a Minnesota Medal of Honor Plaque Dedication, a Vietnam era aircraft flyover, and many other events. All of the event information can be found on the Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans website at www.MNHonorsVietnamVets.org.
I hope you can join me at the State Capitol on the 13th to honor our veterans.
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