The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) a nonprofit social services agency assisting veterans and their families statewide is hosting the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (The Wall) at Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road in Shakopee from June 19 to 22.
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. 
The Wall
The weeklong series of activities and events kicks off on June 18 at 5:30 p.m. with a motorcycle brigade escort of the Wall lead by the Patriot Guard. Area Hog Chapters and Eagle Riders will also join the ride. A welcoming reception will feature speakers, including 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. The Wall goes up for reception beginning Thursday, June 19th at noon.
A special tribute to POWs and Gold and Blue Star Moms will be held on Thursday evening at 5 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 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wall and in the Park include demonstrations by the Mounted Police, American Legion/VFW Color Guards, Heros 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 on 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. [2]