Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

A documentary, 50 years after the Vietnam War, showing in Faribault April 28, 2025

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A Vietnam veteran views The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall when it came to the Rice County Fairgrounds in Faribault in 2016. All photos in this story were taken at that exhibit. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

MENTION THE VIETNAM WAR and the reaction will be mixed, depending. Some served. Some supported. Others protested. And some, like me, viewed the war as teens not quite old enough to vote, but old enough to care.

A map posted in the veterans’ lounge when the traveling wall was in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

Fifty years ago on April 30, 1975, Communist forces seized control of the South Vietnamese capital, ending the war in what became known as “The Fall of Saigon.” Two years prior, with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, the U.S. ended its direct military involvement in the conflict.

A soldier’s photo displayed in the traveling exhibit. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

But those two events did not end the pain and suffering or the issues which still linger and swirl regarding the Vietnam War.

The purpose of the wall and the names thereon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, American Legion Post #43, Unit #43 Auxiliary and Operation: 23 to Zero are hosting a showing of the 47-minute documentary film, “Truths and Myths About the Vietnam War,” at the Legion in Faribault. The film was produced by the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association “to honor those who served in the Vietnam War, by providing factual information to address the decades of misinformation that has presented a skewed historical perspective of the war,” according to the AVVBA website. “We believe this a very important and long overdue film, one that captures the information and lessons learned most Vietnam War veterans want reported about the war.”

I lifted my camera and pointed the lens down at a panel filled with names of soldiers. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

Now I’m always interested in learning and considering different viewpoints. And it seems this 2024 documentary by Emmy Award-winning film producer David Naglieri will offer me some new insights and perspectives via a Medal of Honor recipient, those who served, and historians. The film promises to address many facets of the Vietnam War from media coverage to anti-war protests to politics to the treatment of returning soldiers and more.

An area set aside for protesters on the northwest side of the fairgrounds. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

I well remember how poorly returning American soldiers were treated by many who opposed the war. They were not respected for their service. Rather, they were met with protests and disdain. I’m all for free speech and expressing our opinions via protests. But it had to be hard, really hard, for those Vietnam veterans, most of whom were drafted. I remember my own dad, who served on the front lines during the Korean War (“The Forgotten War”), sharing how he never felt supported and appreciated upon his return home.

Multiple wreaths featured words of remembrance. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

Tuesday’s event at my local Legion, while focusing on the Vietnam War, will honor all veterans and offer them free wings during Wing Night. A social hour runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by the film screening from 6:30-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The ultimate honorary salute to a fallen soldier. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)

I encourage you to attend, whether you are a veteran or friend/family member; were a war protester; were, like me, a Vietnam War-era teen (who wore a POW bracelet); or simply want to learn more about a war which claimed 58,220 American and millions of other lives and left countless traumatized.

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FYI: You can watch “Truths and Myths About the Vietnam War” online by clicking here.

If you served in the Vietnam War, lost a loved one in the war, protested or otherwise, please feel free to share your experiences/thoughts in a respectful comment.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

At the Legion on Veterans Day & more November 15, 2023

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I photographed this sticker on a Vietnam War veteran’s car on Saturday before the Veterans Day program at the Rice County Veterans Memorial in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

BACK IN HIGH SCHOOL, I wore a POW bracelet, the thick silver band wrapping my wrist. The name of a prisoner of war was imprinted thereon. If I could find that bracelet, I could give you a name. But I can’t. Rather I hold only the memory of that Vietnam War era bracelet reminding me of those imprisoned and missing during a war that drew protest and anger from many Americans. As a high school student of the early 1970s, I, too, held conflicting opinions about the war. Not about those who served, but about the war itself.

This eagle and dove sculpture centers the Rice County Veterans Memorial in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

All of that aside, today I recognize the personal toll the Vietnam War, any war really, takes on those who are actively involved. You cannot enter the battlefield, kill the enemy, see your fellow soldiers die, without experiencing trauma. It’s a lot. And those who served deserve our thanks and respect.

Area veterans’ memorials, like the one in neighboring Shieldsville, honor our veterans. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

I am thankful for organizations like the American Legion and its auxiliary, which continue to support, honor and recognize those who have served this country. That includes Post 43 in Faribault. In 2024, the local post celebrates its 100th birthday.

Before the meal, which included Trinity Piemakers’ homemade apple pie for dessert (compliments of Bob and Louise Flom), this pair explained the significance of items on the MIA/POW table, right.

On Saturday, following the Veterans Day program at the Rice County Veterans Memorial, Randy and I joined vets and their families and others at a Post 43 luncheon and program. During that event, Legion Commander Mark Quinlan and an auxiliary member stood near a round, cloth-draped MIA/POW table. They explained the symbolic significance of each item on the table.

A symbolic lemon and salt. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

A single red rose in a vase represented bloodshed. A lemon slice on a plate stood for the MIA/POW’s bitter fate. Salt sprinkled on the plate symbolized the many tears shed by loved ones. The lit candle stood for hope… As they spoke, I thought of that POW bracelet I wore 50-plus years ago and wondered if my soldier ever came home.

Resting on a table at the American Legion on Saturday. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

I had the honor on Saturday of dining with two veteran friends—Virgil, who served in the US Marine Corps from 1955-1958, and Roger, who served with the US Army in the Korean War from 1952-1954.

Karen Rasmussen talks about the history of the US flag, displaying the flag at various stages in time. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

Veterans and their families ringed the round tables for conversation and a meal of BBQs, baked beans, chips and homemade apple pie. That meal followed a detailed presentation about the history of the American flag by Legion Auxiliary member Karen Rasmussen. She also presented gift bags to several veterans.

Even the gift bags were patriotically-themed. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

One of the most memorable and touching moments came when Steve Bonde played the songs for each branch of the military on his trumpet. By heart. He asked veterans to stand when they heard their songs. Pride and gratitude rippled through me. There’s something about music that stirs the soul in a way that words cannot.

Placed on a table at the Legion, a US Army cap and money for the free will offering lunch. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

But words, too, hold meaning. Saturday evening my church, Trinity Lutheran, honored veterans in the congregation during the worship service and with a potluck afterwards. Virgil and Roger were among those servicemen attending. This time, though, I sat by Bob, a US Army veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait, and by Mark, the Legion commander with service in the US Navy and Air Force. It was an honor to share a chicken dinner and assorted potluck sides with my friends and with Raquel, married to Bob.

A wall of photos at the Legion honors past commanders of American Legion Post 43, Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

Sunday morning I listened to the Trinity worship service on the radio, this time led by a different pastor. I appreciated the Rev. Bruce Stam’s prayers for veterans. He asked for God’s blessings upon all who’ve served in the Armed Forces and for healing for those vets wounded in body and soul. But it was the final part of his prayer which struck me the most. “We pray especially for the young men and women who are coming home with injured bodies and traumatized spirits.” To hear that acknowledged was necessary, reassuring in many ways and, I hope, a comfort to anyone listening.

A POW MIA flag photographed during the Veterans Day program at the Rice County Veterans Memorial reads, “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.” (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo November 2023)

War is hard. War traumatizes. War changes. We need to understand that and to remember. Just as I remembered that POW bracelet I wore honoring a prisoner of war who may, or may not, have returned home from Vietnam.

© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Memorial Day in Faribault, a photo essay May 28, 2018

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A veteran salutes during the Memorial Day Program at Faribault’s Central Park.

 

MEMORIAL DAY IN FARIBAULT, like in so many other American towns, honors veterans through patriotic tradition.

 

Steve Bonde plays patriotic tunes on a downtown Faribault street corner before the start of the Memorial Day parade.

 

Parade goers listen to Bonde as they await the start of the parade.

 

A barber cuts hair in his barbershop across the street, parade-goers reflected in his shop window.

 

A parade follows Central Avenue through our historic downtown, ending in nearby Central Park.

 

 

 

Grand Marshall Vicki McDowell with her husband, Honorary Grand Marshall Myles McDowell.

 

Each year I expect the same—the police cars and fire trucks, the Color Guard and honored veterans,

 

 

 

 

 

the bands and Scouts,

 

 

 

the kids and candy and politicians,

 

 

 

 

 

the vintage cars and the horses.

 

 

 

 

A restored vintage Tilt-A-Whirl provides a parade viewing spot in the heart of downtown. The Tilt-A-Whirl was invented in Faribault and, up until several years ago, was still made here.

 

Only the faces change, and sometimes not even those.

 

A volunteer hands out programs at Central Park.

 

Printed on the back of the program and read by master of ceremonies Gordy Kosfeld.

 

After the parade, folks gather at Central Park for the Memorial Day program, this year the 149th.

 

A table setting at American Legion Post 43 honors the POW-MIAs.

 

Afterwards, some—mostly vets and their families—go to the Legion for a luncheon and additional remembrances.

 

The luncheon serving line set against a backdrop of photos of local Legion Post 43 commanders.

 

There’s a certain comfort in embracing this day with time-honored traditions. Traditions remind me year after year after year that we still live in a free nation. Each Memorial Day I can set my lawn chair curbside along Central Avenue. I can take photos without retribution. I can stand for my flag and applaud and smile. On this day, I am grateful.

© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling