Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument Dedication, Arlington National Cemetery, 1600, 4 April 2018

The Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 PM, April 18, 2018 at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater (located directly behind the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier). No tickets are required, and there are no fees. All are warmly invited to attend.

At 4:50 PM following the retiring of the colors, a wreath-laying ceremony will commence with flowers carried from the amphitheater to the nearby monument located on Memorial Drive in Section 35, a short 75-yard walk. Those wishing to honor their lost loved one or military unit with flowers are welcome to join the procession with their wreath or bouquet.   

Following the dedication ceremony, a reception will be held at 5:30 to 7:00 PM at The Women In Military Service For America Memorial (WMSAM) located near the cemetery Welcome Center at the west end of Memorial Avenue. All VHPA members and their families, Vietnam Veterans, Gold Star Families and distinguished visitors are invited to attend the post-dedication event.

The VHPA North Carolina Chapter will provide a combat UH-1 for display in front of the WMSAM for the April 18th ceremonies. The helicopter is the perfect symbol to complement the event and will remind all visiting ANC of the courage and sacrifice of those who operated rotary-wing aircraft in the Vietnam War. Our thanks in advance to the North Carolina Chapter for this worthy contribution.

Funding for the April 18th activities must be paid for with private donations and contributions. Although the VHPA has paid for the construction and installation of the monument, the day’s events still need funding. We ask for your financial support. Please consider donating to cover the expenses of complementary souvenir programs, transportation, and reception expenses. All donations are tax-deductible, and any funds remaining after expenses are met will go to the VHPA scholarship fund.  

Accommodations in the immediate area of Arlington National Cemetery are likely to be expensive due to cherry blossom season and Congress being in session on April 18th. For those on a tight budget, we suggest considering hotels away from the downtown district having access to the great Washington Metro system (ANC has it own station stop). The closer to the Washington Mall, the more expensive hotels become, most near ANC are all well over $200 a night. The best locations found under $200 are:

1.            Marriott Courtyard Springfield 6710 Commerce Street Springfield, Virginia 22150
2.            Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park 3111 Fairview Park Drive Falls Church, Virginia 22042
3.            Fairfield Inn & Suites Alexandria 6421 Richmond Highway Alexandria, Virginia 22306
4.            Residence Inn Alexandria Old Town/Duke Street 1456 Duke Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314
5.            Courtyard Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National Airport 2899 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, Virginia 22202
6.            Holiday Inn Express Springfield 6401 Brandon Ave, Springfield, VA, 22150 United States, 866-925-4143
7.            Courtyard Potomac Mills Woodbridge 14300 Crossing Pl.  Woodbridge, VA 22192 USA
8.            Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Woodbridge 14030 Telegraph Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192

It will be an honor to have you join with us on April 18, 2018, as we conclude the four-year effort to build and place the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument within the nation’s most hallowed ground: Arlington National Cemetery. All are welcome to join us as we honor the young men who gave “…the full measure of devotion” operating rotary-wing aircraft in the Vietnam War.

My thanks in advance,

Bob

Bob Hesselbein, Chairman
Legacy Committee
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
2100 N HWY 360, Suite 907
Grand Prairie, TX 75050-1030
608.628.9024
bobhesselbein@vhpa.org