CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines and Sailors of the 5th Marine Regiment will celebrate the arrival of a new Vietnam War Monument to the Camp San Mateo Memorial Garden aboard Camp Pendleton, at 8:30 a.m., March 29.
The monument holds the names of 2,706 Marines and Sailors who fought and lost their lives serving under the 5th Marine Regiment during the Vietnam War. Created in Barre, Vermont, the monument is being transported across the United States to Camp Pendleton. During its cross country delivery, the monument is being escorted by various chapters of the Patriot Guard Riders and will arrive to Camp Pendleton March 29th, National Vietnam Veterans Day.
Marines and Sailors of the 1st Marine Division will dedicate the Vietnam Memorial during an official unveiling ceremony on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018. Keynote speakers at this event will include Maj. Gen. Eric Smith, Lt. Col. John Gianopoulos, and retired Marine and author Nicholas Warr.
The 5th Marine Regiment is recognized as the Marine Corps’ most decorated regiment. From May 1966 to April 1971, it was in the Republic of South Vietnam where it fought in distinguished battles at Rung Sat, Chu Lai, Phu Bai, Hue, Khe San and was also involved in operations at Hue City and the Tet Offensive. The Memorial Day dedication ceremony will honor all veterans who served during this time.
Media interested in covering the monument’s arrival to Camp Pendleton must RSVP no later than noon, March 28, to 2nd Lt. Samuel Banks at samuel.banks@usmc.mil or by phone at (760) 725-9221. For further detail regarding the monument’s arrival and cross country tour please contact Banks.
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 media officer 2nd Lt. Samuel Banks at (760) 725-9221 or email samuel.banks@usmc.mil
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