Event Details
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2025
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Iowa National Guard to Honor Vietnam War Veterans at the Iowa State Fair Veterans Parade
Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Iowa National Guard, is proud to announce the Veterans Parade at the Iowa State Fair will be held on Monday, August 11, at 11:00 AM, along East Grand Avenue in front of the Administration Building.
This year’s parade holds special significance as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, honoring Iowa’s Vietnam War Veterans as Grand Marshals. This recognition serves as a meaningful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring camaraderie of these Veterans who served during one of our nation’s most turbulent eras.
“We are proud to honor our Vietnam Veterans with the recognition they so greatly deserve,” said Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. “Their service and resilience helped shape the future of our military, our state, and our nation.”
Distinguished guests expected to attend the ceremony and parade include:
- Governor Kim Reynolds
- Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer
- Major General Edward J. Chrystal, Director, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
- Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard
- Commander Greg Coy, Commanding Officer of the USS IOWA (SSN 797)
- Todd Jacobus, Commandant, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
“We’re grateful to the Iowa State Fair Board for providing a platform to celebrate Iowa Veterans from every corner of our great state,” said Todd Jacobus, Commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. “This parade is more than a moment of recognition—it’s a salute to the generations of service members who have defended our freedoms.”
Veterans from all branches and eras will be represented in the parade, and members of the public are encouraged to line the route in appreciation of their service.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
For interviews, coverage coordination, and additional information, please contact:
- Jackie Schmillen, Iowa National Guard | jackie.l.schmillen.civ@army.mil, (515) 971-6385
- Karl Lettow, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs | iowafairvetsparade@iowa.gov, (641) 750-8052
Registration Details
The Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair Parade entry applicaton is posted below. Details and instructions for participants are on the form with more to follow.