A National Honor

“1961-1975: In Honored Memory of the Helicopter Pilots and Crewmembers Who Gave the Full Measure of Devotion to Their Nation in the Vietnam War.” Those are the words engraved on the Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Memorial that was dedicated April 18 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Located near the Tomb of the Unknowns, the monument honors some five thousand Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force helicopter pilots and crew who died during the Vietnam War. “This is the only memorial honoring all who perished operating helicopters in the Vietnam War,” said VVA National President John Rowan, who was among the three thousand who attended the dedication ceremonies, “and it’s fitting that it is located in a place of honor in the most famous cemetery in the country.”