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(8/25/2006)
Preparations Complete for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Weekend Event in state capital goes all out to honor Vietnam veterans PIERRE, S.D. – The parade entries are finalized, the bands are confirmed, and the vendors are stocking in their supplies. Advance preparations for the Sept. 15-16 dedication of the South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial are complete, according to the dedication’s organizers. “All that’s left is for these Vietnam-era veterans, their families and friends, and all of us who want to honor these folks, to show up in Pierre and have a great time,” said John Moisan, Dedication Event Coordinator. “While we appreciate the tremendous interest in this event, we no longer need additional bands, entertainers, parade entries, or vendors. All activities and services related to the two-day dedication event are now finalized.” The dedication is shaping up to be one of the largest events of its kind. Moisan said the parade roster is full and capped at 185 entries. All the entertainers for the dedication ceremony and USO tents are confirmed as well. Tickets for the two nights of rock and roll concerts are sold out, and arrangements are now in place with the 18 food vendors providing refreshments on the State Capitol grounds. Dedication of the 7-foot-tall bronze statue of a combat-weary American fighting soldier will honor the more than 28,000 young men and women from South Dakota who served in the Vietnam War era and the 211 who gave their lives during the war. In addition to the dedication ceremony and the parade through the streets of Pierre, there will be fireworks and displays of military equipment and aircraft used during the Vietnam era, including the Huey helicopter. Veterans who want to find their wartime comrades and renew old acquaintances can sign up at the “Find a Buddy” tent. A traveling exhibit modeled after the popular Vietnam Memorial Wall in the nation’s capital also will be featured.
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