Groundbreaking Celebration on September 22, 1990
The first 24-hour MVVM-sponsored vigil started in August of 1989 at 4 pm at the future site. During the 24 hours, volunteers read the names of the 1,127 Minnesotans who gave their lives and those who remain missing in Southeast Asia. ROTC Cadets posted a 24-hour Honor Guard to oversee the Minnesota-shaped field with the 1,127 small flags, one for each dead or missing soldier.
President George Bush proclaimed September 21, 1990, POW/MIA Recognition Day. Governor Rudy Perpich issued a proclamation declaring September 16-22 POW/MIA Recognition Week for the State of Minnesota to remember and honor those servicemen from Minnesota still listed as missing in action from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The 24-hour vigil began at noon with an opening ceremony led by the VVA Color Guard and 1,127 flags again placed in the shape of Minnesota. Many in attendance participated in the reading of the names of the casualties. Taps played every hour. Family members and friends shared poems and music.
At 3:45 pm on Saturday, August 22, a Minnesota Won’t Forget POW/MIA Rally began with a silent march from the Veterans Service Building to the Capitol steps with a Recognition Day ceremony on the steps. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 5 pm Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial. At 8 pm, a Candlelight Walk took place from behind the Capitol to the future site of MVVM. A candle was carried for each casualty. Many family members and friends spent the night at the grounds.
