Saturday program will honor, remember Minnesota's Vietnam-era veterans

Saturday program will honor, remember Minnesota's Vietnam-era veterans
Hundreds of Vietnam-era veterans will gather Saturday at the state Capitol for a long-delayed ceremony thanking them for their service.
By Rubén Rosario

Updated: 06/11/2009 11:48:36 AM CDT



Jerry Kyser survived two tours in Vietnam. The helicopter mechanic crew chief/machine gunner came home with undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder. He also returned to a divided nation that essentially treated him and others like crap.

On Saturday, the 64-year-old Roseville resident and thousands of other Vietnam War-era veterans from Minnesota will get the long-delayed thanks they deserve.

Those veterans and their families will be officially honored for their service at an all-day affair at the state Capitol grounds. Event officials expect a crowd of more than 5,000, including at least 1,000 Minnesota Vietnam-era veterans who pre-registered to attend the free event.

"The response to this event has been overwhelmingly positive," said Clark Dyrud, commissioner of Minnesota's Department of Veterans Affairs.

"This is a day for Vietnam-era veterans to reunite with each other and celebrate with the community," added Dyrud, who served a year in Vietnam as a sergeant with the Army's 25th Infantry Division. "This event will recognize those who served during the Vietnam era, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

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