East Central Regional Library is pleased to welcome back Minnesota history reenactor Arn Kind for a presentation on one of the most fascinating yet controversial eras in the history of our nation and world.
Kind, a teacher of 42 years, will don the uniform of a typical American soldier in presenting Minnesota in the Vietnam War at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at the Pine City branch of East Central Regional Library. All ages are welcome, and no registration is necessary.
The year 2018 was the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War. Even though it was a major defeat for the Communist forces, it was a turning point in the conflict because it turned a large portion of the American public against the war. Who were the Vietnamese and what was their fight all about? How did the United States get into the war?
The Vietnam War, the longest in American history, cost the nation 56,000 lives (including 1,077 Minnesotans), 300,000 wounded, 1,200 missing in action, and $141 billion. Unlike previous wars where returning GIs came home to a grateful nation, Vietnam veterans were at best ignored and at worst shunned and sometimes persecuted for their service. Many years would pass before Americans would show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by these veterans, finally reversing the shameful treatment they previously had endured.
Kind’s multimedia presentation will use power-point, video, music, drama, role-playing and living history experiences to help shed light on this turbulent time and make history come alive. He will describe the increasing commitment of each of five American presidents, the rising antiwar protests at home and eventual U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, and the lingering tragic effects of a war that had never been declared.
This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
The Pine City Public Library is located at 300 5th St. SE in the downtown area and can be reached at 320-629-6403. Keep informed of all East Central Regional Library events by visiting the events calendar at ecrlib.org or following us on Facebook.