The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) a non-profit social services agency assisting veterans and their families statewide is hosting the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (The Wall) at Canterbury Park from June 19 to 22^nd to draw awareness to veterans issue and the organization itself.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) is a 383-foot replica of the Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The AVTT is the largest traveling tribute in the U.S.; it includes a WWII and Korean War Tribute, a Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and Tributes to 9/11, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

They kick-off the weeklong series of activities and events June 18^th at 5:30 p.m. with a motorcycle brigade escort of the Wall lead by the Patriot Guard; also joining in on the ride are area Hog Chapters and Eagle Riders.  A welcoming reception will feature speakers, including the esteemed General Shellito, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, MACV staff and Board members, a military flyover, live ‘70’s themed music and food and drinks. More than 500 are expected to attend.

The Wall goes up for reception and daily events beginning Thursday, June 19^th at 12:00 p.m. We’ll feature a special tribute to POWs and Gold and Blue Star Moms on Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. Senator John McCain has been invited to accept the tribute wreath on behalf of POWs nationwide.

Special Events and activities planned daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Wall and in the park include demonstrations by the mounted police, American Legion/VFW Color Guards, Heroes of the Revolution, Shriners Go-Karts Brigade, and marching bands, drum and bugle corps, live musicians, singers, police and sheriffs, EMTs and fire departments, antique military vehicle display, Hummers on display, face painting and much more.

Invited speaking guests and those who will make an appearance throughout the week include Senators Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar and Congressmen John Kline, Keith Ellison, and Jim Ramstad.  Other speakers include Father Jim Zappa and Lt. Col. Jim Swanson as keynotes on Veteran and Military Family Day, June 20.

MACV is a 16-year-old non-profit serving veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness or other life crises.  There are over 410,000 veterans in the state of Minnesota. More than one percent experience an episode of homelessness each year. Many veterans also struggle with unemployment, affordable health care and insurance, mortgages and foreclosure, utility bills, unemployment, chemical, physical and mental health concerns and legal issues edging them towards homelessness. For more information on MACV visit www.mac-v.org

In addition MACV, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand through the event to provide referrals and assistance to veterans who stop by the MACV booth.  All veterans are welcome to visit with any questions.