A Gift That Lasts Forever

This year marks the 21st consecutive year that the Vietnam Veterans of America, Clermont Chapter 649, has held a 24-hour Memorial Day vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Union Township’s Veterans memorial Park. Some refer to it
as “Helicopter Park”. Located under the helicopter are thousands of memorial bricks. Some have names inscribed on them, but most do not. VVA 649 wants to change that.

“Our goal”, said Ken Williamson, President of the chapter, “Is to have names inscribed on all of the remaining bricks by this Memorial Day to commemorate the 21st anniversary.” To accomplish this goal VVA 649 has asked several Clermont County businesses to help by placing brick order forms at their locations. A memorial brick can be dedicated to any member of your family, to a veteran and even to a pet. Persons interested in placing a brick in honor of a loved one or veteran can pick up an order form at the following local businesses: Campbell's Barn, Goshen Skyline, PC-ER (inside Amelia Wal-Mart), Joe Kidd Automotive, Amelia Florist Wine and Gift Shop, Harley-Davidson of Eastgate, The Clermont County VSO in Batavia, The Union Township Civic Center, LCNB Bank on Dick Flynn Blvd., Cliff Riley/American Heritage Insurance in Milford, and Rolf Monument, the supplier of the brick engraving, located in Newport.

The cost of each brick is 30.00. The proceeds from the sale provide funding to maintain the helicopter and the surrounding memorials at the park and the mission of VVA 649. Brick orders must be received by April 15th to guarantee placement by Memorial Day. Brick order forms are also available on the organization’s website: Bricks .