50th Joint Commemoration
Recognizing the end of the Vietnam War, Secret War in Laos, and Southeast Asian conflict
This 50th Anniversary Joint Commemoration honors the intertwined histories of the Vietnam War, Secret War in Laos, and Southeast Asian conflict and their lasting impacts on the Cambodian, Lao, Hmong, Vietnamese communities and Minnesota Veterans. Rooted in remembrance and inclusion, this statewide effort brings together Minnesotans across generations, cultures, and geographies to deepen public understanding, elevate voices, and create space for shared learning and healing.
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Joint Commemoration Programming
Through public events, exhibits, educational forums, and storytelling, the Joint Commemoration invites reflection on the experiences of those displaced and returning home, the costs of war, and the enduring contributions of those whose lives were forever changed by conflict. This initiative affirms the vital role of the humanities in fostering dialogue, expanding memory, and honoring the dignity and complexity of every story.
Upcoming Events
October 25 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Royalston Square, Minneapolis
Immersive digital storytelling experience.
November 1 – 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and
November 2 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Union Depot, St. Paul
Community gathering with entertainment, exhibits, food vendors, and more.
MHC 50th Joint Advisory Council
To plan this commemoration and leverage the unique skillsets and relationships in the four Southeast Asian Minnesotan communities, and among Minnesota Vietnam Veterans, the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) solicited applications to launch the MHC 50th Joint Advisory Council to establish the vision, themes, and content for these commemorative events and educational programming.
The MHC Advisory Council was comprised of fifteen members, three from the Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese communities and three U.S. Vietnam Veterans from Minnesota. The members met three times – virtually and in person – to shape the programs, foods, entertainment, and exhibits. Most of the members continued as volunteers after their initial commitment to help implement the plans.
Advisory Council Members
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to these dedicated partners, for their thoughtful care in the creation and implementation of these commemorative events:
Bao Lee-Yang, Bruce Richardson, Bryan Thao Worra, Chinda Gregor, Kaysone Syonesa, Larry Johnson, Lynn Nguyen, Martino Nguyen, Mike Hang, Phuoc Tran, Rothana Seng, Samuel Verdeja, Sophia Neou, Sunny Chanthanouvong, and Yang Chee
Funding and Support for this Program
During the Minnesota Legislative session that ended in 2024, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated Legacy funding to MHC, in collaboration with the Minnesota Historical Society, for a joint commemoration program for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Secret War in Laos, Southeast Asian conflict that recognizes and honors the contributions of Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese communities, and other veterans. MHC will prepare the program to leverage the unique histories, experiences, and relationships in the four Southeast Asian Minnesotan communities.
