12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
The first event will occur on Thursday, 23 May 2013. The Richard Nixon Library will conduct a formal ceremony to honor the former POWs and their families as well as former President Richard Nixon at his gravesite. The Foundation requests a Joint Color Guard to present the Colors at the beginning of the ceremony. In addition, the Foundation requests a military musical unit to perform patriotic music prior to and during the ceremony. Specifically, the Foundation requests the playing of the national anthem, a Service Song melody, TAPS and additional patriotic music as needed. After the exchange of honors, personnel from The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration from the Department of Defense and on behalf of a grateful nation, will conduct a ceremony to honor the former POWs and their families, the widows of deceased POWs and Gold Star family members of POWs who died in captivity. After brief remarks, a presentation will be made to representatives of the POWs and the widows and Gold Star family members.
Finally, as the capstone element for this event, and following the presentation by the Vietnam War Commemoration, the Foundation requests an aerial review consisting of aircraft from the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force to represent the Services of the former POWs. Specifically, the Foundation requests helicopters, a B-52 and three four-ship “fast-mover” formations from the Marines, Navy and Air Force with the last formation conducting a missing-man maneuver. TAPS will be played immediately after the aerial review and the ceremony will conclude shortly thereafter.
If the first option for composition of the aerial demonstration is not possible, the Foundation requests a joint review consisting of Army helicopters, a B-52, one four-ship “fast mover” formation (Navy or Marine) that will conduct the missing man maneuver. If that option is not possible, we request the option for a B-52 and one four-ship “fast mover” formation (Navy or Marine) to cond