NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
22 February 2004

“AMERICA’s HUEY” TO STOP IN CITY ON MARCH 1; NOON WELCOMING PROGRAM SET FOR COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BEHIND CAPITOL BUILDING

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that “America’s Huey-091”, the restored Vietnam helicopter on nationwide tour before its enshrinement in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., will arrive in Harrisburg on Monday, March 1st, with a special Noon welcoming ceremony on Commonwealth Avenue behind the State Capitol Building. The observances will include live musical performances, remarks by state and local officials and military leaders, and a special flyover by three Huey helicopters from the PA Army National Guard.

Mayor Reed said the special tribute is meant to honor all of America’s veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War, but especially so for those who served in Vietnam and who were most likely transported by this military aerial workhorse.

“Harrisburg is honored to have been selected to be a part of this national tour, known as the “Final Journey Home”, which also includes stops at the Air Force Academy, West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy,” said Mayor Reed.

Designated “America’s Huey-091”, the restored Bell UH-1H helicopter spent two years in combat in Vietnam with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company. It was damaged by enemy fire three times, and declared a total loss after the third incident. Subsequently recovered and returned to service in the United States and Germany, it spent the last eight years touring America as an educational and healing tool.

The Mayor said the aircraft is owned by the Texas Air Command Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas, and is being donated to the Smithsonian for the new “Price of Freedom” exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The exhibit will also feature more than 700 artifacts from all of America’s military conflicts, including a World War II jeep, Andrew Jackson’s uniform coat and sword, the nameplate from the ‘Maine’, Appomattox Courthouse furniture, and more. America’s Huey-091 will be the single largest piece on display in the exhibit, which officially opens to the public this November 11, Veteran’s Day.

Reed lauded the efforts of local organizers John Travers, Mike McLaughlin, and the members of Vietnam Veterans of America Capital Chapter 542, who have been instrumental in bringing the distinctive piece of American military history to Harrisburg. “Thanks to them,” said the Mayor, “Central Pennsylvanians will have a unique opportunity to personally bid farewell to this military icon.”

The Mayor said “America’s Huey-091” will touch down on Commonwealth Avenue shortly before the lunch hour, with the official welcoming and commemorative program set to begin promptly at Noon. Amongst the dignitaries expected to attend are Medal of Honor winner Major General Patrick Brady (ret.), Governor Ed Rendell, Dr. Brent Glass, Director of the new Smithsonian National Museum of American History and former executive director of the Pennsylvania State Historical and Museum Commission, Reed, and others. The featured speaker for the event will be U.S. Army Sergeant Fred Castleberry (ret.), a Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart medalist.

Reed said “America’s Huey-091” is currently on national tour and will be heading on to West Point after its Harrisburg stop. The prestigious aircraft will then go on to its final resting place in the Museum of American History.

The Mayor said there are several alternative dates for the welcoming program in the event of inclement weather, with an initial rain/snow/cold date of Tuesday, March 2, beginning at the same Noon time. In case of continuing bad weather that forces the cancellation of Tuesday’s raindated event, the welcoming program will be moved back to Sunday, February 29, likewise beginning at Noon. Both raindated events will be located on Commonwealth Avenue.

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