A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
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DOD Partnership Announced; Vietnam Exhibit Expansion Underway

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Starting this month, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War by kicking off its major expansion of the Vietnam Naval Support Base exhibit. The new Vietnam Experience Exhibit fits alongside Patriots Point announcement that it has been named a Commemorative Partner of the Department of Defense for the 50th Anniversary. Vietnam veteran’s stories will be brought to life in compelling and interactive ways though the new exhibit and various events over the next couple years.

Patriots Point is expanding and renovating its existing Vietnam Naval Support Base to not only include more artifacts and aircraft, but interactive components to the Base that will make the exhibit come to life for visitors. The Vietnam Experience Exhibit will immerse guests into was like to live in these support camps during the war. The expansions are projected to include foxholes, sounds of commanding officers, illusions of complete seclusion, and interactive artifacts. Construction on the Vietnam Experience Exhibit will begin as soon as this June and it is expected to be largely completed by November 2014, in time for Veterans Day. Riggs Ward of Virginia partnered with the Museum in planning and implementing these changes.

On April 18th, a ground-breaking ceremony was held to kick-off the expansion. The event included images of the exhibit’s conceptual art and an official announcement about the partnership with the Department of Defense as a Commemorative Partner. As a Partner, Patriots Point will host numerous events and programs that will thank and honor Vietnam veterans, highlight the service of the all of the Armed Forces, and recognize the sacrifices made at home and with our allies throughout this lengthy war. Photos from this event can be seen here, on Patriots Point's Facebook page. Most recently, Patriots Point received a 1967 CH-46D helicopter. Information on this new aircraft can be seen here.

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Conceptual Art for the Vietnam Experience Exhibit. View from Command Bunker[/caption]

“There are currently about 2 million Vietnam War veterans. The Vietnam Experience Exhibit expansion will provide them a place to visit and reconnect in a way that is not available elsewhere,” said Mac Burdette, Executive Director for Patriots Point. “These renovations will also help us educate our visitors on this war, and to understand why it was such a game changer in our nation’s past.”

SAVE THE DATE: Patriots Point will house the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall from October 9-12th. Check back here at our News & Events section for details regarding the upcoming Vietnam Anniversary programs and events.