On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, communities across Minnesota (Little Falls, Stillwater, Mankato) will come together for the statewide Veterans Day Film Festival, a free event honoring the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s veterans.
In partnership with Lakeland PBS, Pioneer PBS and the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, the festival features special matinee screenings that salute the stories, courage and legacy of those who have served.
Film lineup (each approx. 26 minutes):
Greater Good: Mission of a MN Family — Army veterans Bud and Paul Nakasone span key moments in U.S. military history — from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 — and bring a generational Minnesota legacy of service.
MN Military & Veterans Museum: Mobilizing for the Future — Learn about the Museum’s evolution and its upcoming 40,000-square-foot, $30 M facility at Camp Ripley that will tell Minnesota’s military story like never before.
General John Vessey: Cold War Soldier & Statesman — Biographer John Morris presents the life of Minnesota’s own General John W. Vessey Jr., whose 46-year career stretched from WWII through the closing days of the Cold War.
Frozen in Time: Vietnam — Meet Vietnam War photographer Gary Bipes, whose lens captured the soul of Vietnam and the haunting beauty amidst chaos or Night Wings: OSS Carpetbagger Ops Embark on secret WWII missions with Veteran Robert Holmstrom as he reveals his personal experiences, and uncover the history of the pre-CIA organization, the Office of Strategic Services.
Event Schedule & Locations:
LITTLE FALLS:
Venue: The Falls Theatre, 117 1st St SE, Little Falls, MN
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Film festival begins immediately after the local Veterans Day ceremony.
STILLWATER: Immediately following the local event:
Venue: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN
Ceremony Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. stillwaterveteransmemorial.org
Film festival begins right after the conclusion of the ceremony.
MANKATO (Official State Ceremony):
Immediately following the state ceremony:
You are invited to attend the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration - this year hosted at the Mankato National Guard Armory.
100 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Mankato, MN 56001
The program is free and open to the public. No registration nor RSVP is required.
Agenda
8:30 a.m. - Free Community breakfast
10:00 a.m. - Official program
11:30 a.m. - Film screening (optional)
Highlights
Remarks by state and local elected officials, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke and the Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis Beth Richardson
North Mankato Post 518 American Legion Color Guard
Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum WWII historical display
90-minute PBS film screening following the official program
Keynote Speaker: Kyle Ward, Ph.D., Director of Social Studies Education - Minnesota State University, Mankato
Dr. Kyle Ward works with future Social Studies teachers and offers classes through the History Department on U.S. History, World War II and the Holocaust. He completed his Ph.D. from Indiana State University and has written six books, including two on military units from Minnesota. Dr. Ward’s presentation will focus on commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the importance of capturing stories of those who served.
Special Greeting: Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis
Beth Richardson was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada's Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Ms. Richardson works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties; reinforce security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Musical guest: Minnesota State University, Mankato Maverick “MAV” Machine Marching Band
Members from the Maverick "MAV" Machine Athletic Band will provide music during the official program. The marching band is comprised of 180 students and community musicians that entertain audiences and bring spirit, energy and enthusiasm to athletic and community events locally, nationally and globally. Approximately 40 band members will perform at the celebration.
For more information on this event, contact MDVA.Communications@state.mn.us.
Why Attend:
This film festival offers a unique, respectful yet engaging tribute to veterans — from front-line stories to community legacies of service. It’s open to the public, free of charge, and tailored for veterans, families, civic organizations and all who appreciate Minnesota’s proud military heritage.
Media Contact:
Kevin Olson
Deputy Director, Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
Email: kolson@mnmilitarymuseum.org
Phone: 651-212-0573
Actions for Press & Attendees:
Please arrive early for the ceremonies (especially Mankato). Film festival seating is first-come, free and open to all. Share the community-wide event on social media using #MNVeteransFilmFest.