Veterans Week commemorates 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War
Veterans Week Schedule of Events
Minnesota State Moorhead will honor Veterans in a variety of events during Veterans Week, Nov. 4–11, 2025. This year’s theme commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, recognizing the sacrifices, stories and enduring legacy of those who served.
A highlight of the week is Speaking of Service: Voices of the Vietnam War, on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Barry Auditorium, located in the Christenson Alumni Center. This engaging storytelling event invites the community to hear firsthand accounts from Veterans who lived through the Vietnam War era. One of the featured speakers is Rex Selnes, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran from Alvarado, Minn., who served with Marine Force Recon in Vietnam in 1969, earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and several other commendations. Following his military service, he and his wife, Judy, spent 25 years teaching in Mesa, Ariz., before retiring and returning to Minnesota. Selnes is active in local Veteran organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 941, the Moorhead American Legion, and Fargo AmVets.
Additional Veterans Week events:
- Traveling Trunk Displays featuring artifacts, uniforms and letters from the Vietnam War in the Veteran Success Center (King Hall 149) and Livingston Lord Library.
- SODEXO Meal Tickets and Bookstore Coupon for Veterans and Service Members.
- Salute to Service Volleyball Game, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 at Nemzek Fieldhouse, with free admission for Veterans and Service Members.
- Veteran Success Center Open House, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 in King Hall 149.
- Campus Blood Drive, 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 in Comstock Memorial Union rooms 203 & 204.
- From Battlefield to Bureaucracy: Civil War Veterans & their Fight for Pensions, a Dille Distinguished Faculty Lecture by archivist and associate professor Trista Raezer-Stursa, at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at Livingston Lord Library Room 103.
- Salute to Service Wrestling Match, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at Nemzek Fieldhouse, with free admission for Veterans and Service Members
- Salute to Service Football Game, noon Saturday, Nov. 8 at Nemzek Stadium Scheels Field, with free admission for Veterans and Service Members.
- Letters to Service Members, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Kise Commons, a student-led event writing letters of gratitude to current service members.
“These events reflect Minnesota State Moorhead’s continued commitment to honoring our Veteran students, alumni, faculty and community members,” said Josh Clarke, Veterans Resource Outreach Director. “Veterans Week gives our campus and community a chance to pause, connect and express gratitude for the service and sacrifices that protect our freedoms.”
All events are open to the public. To learn more and view the full schedule, visit mnstate.edu/veteransweek.