June 18-19, 2016
Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD

Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

LZ Maryland is a weekend event that will honor Vietnam veterans as they gather together with family, friends, and a grateful public.

For more information, visit their website: http://vietnam.mpt.org/lzmaryland/

The two-day event includes:

The Tribute Ceremony
Tens of thousands of people from Maryland and mid-Atlantic states are expected to attend the LZ Maryland ceremony to salute and honor Maryland’s Vietnam-era veterans. The event on Saturday evening will feature the presentation of colors, the national anthem, presentations, music, heartfelt sentiments of appreciation, and much more.

Memorial Chair Ceremony
A powerful memorial of 1,017 white empty chairs will be placed at the infield in silent tribute to the 1,017 Maryland veterans killed or missing in action. The chairs will be a conspicuous, moving salute to service members who did not return from the war. Signage depicting the names of those represented will accompany the display.

The Honor Ride
Hundreds of members of veteran motorcycle organizations, associations, and clubs will participate in a motorcycle Honor Ride, representing the 1,017 Marylanders who died in combat or are still missing. Veteran-participants will travel from their many separate locations to American Legion Post 22 in Towson, MD and then travel to and enter the LZ Maryland event at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium in formation.
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The R&R Family Zone
The R&R Family Zone is a retreat for activities and performances that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Located indoors, the R&R Family Zone provides a break from the elements and allows for participants to evoke their inner artist at the Craft Station, be entertained by the variety of performances at the Auxiliary Stage, or simply sit back and relax.

The Basic Training Course
Compete with your family or race against time in this boot camp-inspired obstacle course.  Challenges include, tire stutter step, low crawl, push-ups, hurdles and more.

MASH Unit
The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) refers to a U.S. Army medical unit serving as a fully functional hospital in a combat area of operations. LZ Maryland will have a MASH replica on display. Event attendees will be able to tour the hospital and get a perspective of the conditions workers and wounded experienced more than 40 years ago.

LZ Maryland Mess Hall
From classic festival fare to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, the LZ MarylandMess Hall is the one-stop shop for food and beverages. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Swing by for a snack or stay for a meal and enjoy seating in one of many shade tents. A variety of Mess Halls will be available throughout the event site, both indoors and out.

The Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with a mobile Education Center, honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces during the Vietnam War and its walls bear the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam including the name of each Maryland Vietnam veteran who was killed in or missing in action.

The Wall of Faces
This “wall” is a visual memorial for those Marylanders  who were killied in or missing in action.  The virtual display provides a photo for nearly every Marylander whose name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Located indoors, seating will be provided for viewers to watch and remember the fallen.

Veteran Art Gallery
Art as therapy has been adopted by many veterans as a way to deal with the traumatic experiences war can present. In addition, there are some recognized artists who have created masterpieces depicting the war.  The LZ MarylandVeteran Art Gallery will house the works of dozens of talented Vietnam veterans. Artwork in this area is for display only; additional artwork will be available for sale in the Market Place.

Veteran Services Village
Veteran service organizations (VSOs) will be on hand to discuss various topics and connect veterans to valuable resources. Counselors will be available to assist veterans, one-on-one, with advice on PTSD, Agent Orange, TBI and other concerns. Additionally, companies and organizations will be on hand who offer veterans assistance with job placement, financial services, legal aid, housing assistance, and more.

Writers Hooch
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Vietnam veteran authors, participate in literary discussions and peruse many publications on the topic of the Vietnam era. Books from appearing authors will be on sale.

Reunion Lounge
This large lounge area provides a site where veterans and their families may reunite, relax and relate. Each reunion lounge will be clearly marked by branch, so veterans who have that commonality will be brought together. Sponsors of this area may engage with veterans in this lounge atmosphere and are encouraged to offer a benefit to the veterans.

LZ Maryland Screening Room
Beat the heat and step into the air-conditioned LZ Maryland Screening Room. This theater-style area allows attendees to view several Vietnam-related films, including Maryland Vietnam War Stories and PBS specials.

Vietnam “Tour of Duty” Map
A map (roughly 100’ x 120’) of Southeast Asia will be one of the focal points of LZ Maryland and will be positioned in a strategic spot at the fairgrounds. The map will be manufactured so that veterans, family members and friends can walk on it, sign it, or make other notations. Veterans will possibly sign the places where they served, or they and family members might sign the places where fellow soldiers or loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice.

Aircraft and Motor Pool Displays
Go back in time with this display of Vietnam-era military vehicles and aircraft. The display will include a variety of vehicles including jeeps, tanks, and more.  Additionally, attendees will also see a variety of helicopters including two Huey helicopters, a gunship, a medivac, observation helicopters, and more.

Entertainment
Performers on two stages will keep visitors entertained throughout the weekend. The main stage will be the focal point for ceremonies (Opening/Closing Ceremony, Tribute Ceremony, prayer service, etc.), headline talent, USO-style show, and regional bands throughout this two-day event. A second stage will feature regional and local bands performing hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s inside.

And much more!
Want more information? Contact us.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click here.