Photo provided.

Submitted by the Vietnam Veterans of America.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, Clermont County Chapter 649 has canceled their 28th annual Memorial Day Ceremony due to state and local crowd restrictions associated with the COVID-19 virus.

“We just want everyone to stay safe, especially our members who may be at high risk due to their age and existing medical issues,” VVA 649 President, Michael Newman, explained.

Chapter 649 plans to continue the tradition in 2021.

The History. This would have been the 28th annual ceremony organized and presented by Chapter 649. In 1992 the members of 649 began fundraising for the helicopter memorial. Union Township Park on Glen Este – Withamsville Road and Clough Pike was chosen for the location because of its proximity to I-275 and Ohio 32. The initial cost of $25,000 for the construction came from private donations and pledges from area businesses and volunteers. Groundbreaking was held on September 12, 1992. Dedication of the Memorial occurred on March 21, 1993, with the official name of the “Lt. Andrew Haglage Vietnam Veterans Memorial”. Lt. Haglage, a 25-year old U.S. Marine Corps pilot from Batavia, was killed while flying his helicopter in Vietnam in 1969.

The monument includes a surplus Huey helicopter, that flew missions in Vietnam, mounted on two 12-foot walls that form the pedestal.

An engraved honor roll on the wall includes the names of those from Clermont County who were killed in Vietnam.

Over the years, other memorials were added to honor Korean veterans, the women who served in Vietnam, the dogs that served, Gold Star Mothers, POW/MIAs, recipients of the Purple Heart and the Silver Rose for those who died as a result of their exposure to Agent Orange. For more chapter information go to www.vva649.org.