The Fargo Air Museum has partnered with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 941 to host Vietnam Memorial Week from April 29 through May 5, 2023.
“Seeing this memorabilia really brings me back,” says Master SGT. (RET.) Ed “Doc” Ahonen, a Vietnam veteran. “It’s important to remember and honor all those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Freedom is not free.”
An opening ceremony kicks off the week on Saturday, April 29 at 9:30 am. The opening ceremony will feature remarks from Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney, POW/MIA speaker Master SGT. (RET.) Ed “Doc” Ahonen, a ceremonial wreath laying by Vietnam veterans, and bagpipes by Kirk Brickman.
A ceremony on Sunday, April 30 will feature environmental agency speaker Tanya Kemper, Cass & Clay County Veteran Service Officer speakers Curt Cannon and Chris Deery, and United Patriotic Bodies speaker Jason Hicks. The U.S. Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Canadian Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display all week.
Vietnam-era aircraft & vehicles will be on display including an F-4 Phantom fighter jet, a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog observation aircraft, the cockpit of UH-1 Huey helicopter, a field ambulance, a gun truck, a deuce-and-a-half cargo truck, and more. Memorabilia and artifacts from local veterans and museum archives will also be on view.
The week is free will donation with no registration required.
