Republic photographer Mike Wolanin and reporter Matthew Kent got a bird’s-eye view of Columbus today as part of a helicopter ride that offered plenty of thrills.
The Indiana Air Search and Rescue organization Friday brought a Huey helicopter used during the Vietnam War to the fairgrounds.
The helicopter’s appearance is part of the visit involving the Moving Wall, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., that will be on display until 10 a.m. Monday.
Al McKown, American Legion Post 24, said about 9,000 visitors had come to the fairgrounds by mid-afternoon Friday for the activities.
The helicopter, which has a capacity to hold 13, including four crew members, departed from the fairgrounds and gave passengers an aerial view of west Columbus. Among the areas visitors got to see from the sky were Interstate 65, Tipton Lakes and the Harrison Lake Country Club.
Event info: Saturday is the final day the public can take a ride on a Huey helicopter at the Moving Wall exhibit. Rides begin at 8 a.m. and continue based on demand at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, 750 W. County Road 200S, Columbus.
Details: World War II and Korean War veterans can fly for free. Vietnam veterans will be required to pay a $75 membership fee, which gets them a membership to the Indiana Search and Rescue Association and a free helicopter ride.
Other individuals will be able to ride in the helicopter by paying a $100 fee for a membership and a free helicopter ride.
Saturday schedule for the Moving Wall activities —
Noon:Â Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by John Tasca, invocation by John Marquis of Central Heights Church of God, remarks by Col. Roger D. Peterman (retired), taps by Caleb Bray.
6 p.m.: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, remarks by Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger (retired), benediction by John Sichting of New Hope Christian Church, taps by Caleb Bray.
Noon:Â Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, invocation by retired minister Jerry Curry, remarks by Lt. Col. Kenny Freeman (retired), taps by Caleb Bray.
6 p.m.: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, remarks by Staff Sgt. Michael Thompson, benediction by Dan Cash of First Baptist Church, three-volley salute and taps by American Legion Post 24 and 229 color guards.
There is no charge to attend, although donations are being accepted.
