WILD ROSE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A helicopter that once flew during the Vietnam War now has a home in Wild Rose.
The chopper made its way down main street to its place of honor Wednesday afternoon.
Vicki Bergemann the Adjutant of American Legion Post 370 in Wild Rose tell WLUK this is exciting.
“It’s quite unique to have something like this in this little town”
The Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopter flew during the Vietnam War. It’s now on loan to the Wild Rose American Legion Post from the federal government.
Carl Wilson is the Post commander.
“A lot of them were left there, but this is one that was brought back” In the past the chopper had been part of parades.
Wilson says recently volunteers helped spruce it up.
“It hadn’t been painted since Vietnam” And Wednesday dozens welcomed it to its new place of honor just outside town…with the help of a crane and some more volunteers.
“The whole village and everybody coming to town can see it and enjoy it,” explained Bergemann.
The chopper will stand as a memorial to veterans past, present and future.
It’s a poignant placement for Wilson and for many of these post members.
“I didn’t start talking about Vietnam until about 14-15 years ago. Right over in that crowd there’s seven Vietnam veterans right there.”
The helicopter is going to be on permanent display just beyond this sign saying ‘Welcome to Wild Rose,’ and it’s on land that’s actually owned by the Lions Club.
The American Legion got a pretty good deal on a 99-year lease for the Lions for it.
And the memorial honors those who served this country, paying the ultimate price.
“That’s the most important thing, honoring the people we lost and those that we don’t know where they’re at,” said Wilson.
The helicopter will be the centerpiece of a larger veterans memorial. The American Legion post is taking donations for the estimated $20,000 cost.
