Veterans Day Film Festival For Immediate Release
Veterans Day Film Festival to Follow Ceremonies Across Minnesota
~~ Featuring free matinee screenings honoring Minnesota’s Veterans~~
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, communities across Minnesota 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):
Frozen in Time: Vietnam — Meet Vietnam War photographer Gary Bipes, whose lens captured the soul of Vietnam and the haunting beauty amidst chaos.
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.
Event Schedule & Locations:
MANKATO (Official State Ceremony): Immediately following the state ceremony:
Venue: Mankato Armory, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Mankato, MN
Official program: Doors open at 8:30 a.m., breakfast served, program begins at 10:00 a.m.
Film festival begins immediately after the 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.
LITTLE FALLS:
Venue: The Falls Theatre, 117 1st St SE, Little Falls, MN (Local Event time to be confirmed)
Film festival begins immediately after the local Veterans Day ceremony.
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
About the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum:
Located at Camp Ripley, the museum will open its new 40,000-square-foot facility in September 2026, showcasing tanks, a submarine sail, the gun from the USS Ward and other artifacts highlighting Minnesota’s important role in national military history.
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.