The 5th Marine Regiment extends an invitation to media for the arrival of the regiment’s Vietnam War Memorial after its cross-country delivery to the San Mateo Memorial Garden aboard Camp Pendleton, at 0830 March 29, 2018.

Starting in Barre, Vermont, the monument was escorted by various chapters of Patriot Guard Riders across the United States to its final destination on Camp Pendleton. At more than 100,000 lbs, the memorial holds a total of 2,705 Marines and Sailors names of those who fought, served and lost their lives while serving with the 5th Marine Regiment during the Vietnam War.

From May 1966 to April 1971, the Regiment was in the Republic of South Vietnam where it fought in distinguished battles at Rung Sat, Chu Lai, Phu Bai, Hue, Khe San, and were also involved in operations at Hue City and the Tet Offensive.

Ever ready to answer the nation’s call, the “Fighting Fifth” is recognized as the Marine Corps’ most highly decorated regiment and has fought in every clime and place to include Guadalcanal, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.

On Memorial Day, 5th Marines will honor the fallen Marines and Sailors who served with the storied unit in Vietnam with the unveiling of the memorial during a dedication ceremony at the Garden, at TIME May 28, 2018.

Media interested in covering the memorial’s arrival must RSVP no later than 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, via email at paul.gainey@usmc.mil or by phone at (760) 212-9823. Arrival instructions will be distributed after the RSVP deadline. An additional invite will be sent prior to the memorial’s dedication ceremony.

Photo, video package, and video B-Roll imagery from the event will be released by the 1st Marine Division Press Office and made available for media use. This imagery can be found on the 1st Marine Division page at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1MD.

For additional queries, please contact the 1st Marine Division press officer Capt. Paul Gainey at (760) 212-9823 or email paul.gainey@usmc.mil

-USMC-