Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center Commemorates 15th Anniversary with Open House and Dedication

HOLMDEL, N.J. - Sept. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) will commemorate the 15th Anniversary of its Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center on Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the general public. NJ Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff and Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, Ray Zawacki will be in attendance. The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is the first venue of its kind in the United States. Its exhibits and programs are devoted to encouraging and fostering an understanding of the Vietnam era, including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects that affected the United States with a focus on New Jersey.

At 10 a.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will host a dedication ceremony of the Captain Eleanor Alexander Memorial in the Women's Meditation Garden. Captain Eleanor Grace Alexander was born on September 18, 1940 in River Vale, NJ. She attended St. Michael's High School in Manhattan, and D’Youville College School of Nursing, Buffalo, NY. Alexander joined the Army Nurse Corps in May 1967, and attained the rank of Captain. After finishing her basic training at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Houston, she was placed at the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon, Vietnam where she served as an operating room nurse. Alexander was killed on November 30, 1967. She was with twenty-six other people, including five medical personnel, in a transport plane that crashed three miles south of their station.  She is one of just eight women recognized as killed in the line of duty during the Vietnam War and  the only woman from New Jersey.

“I encourage New Jerseyans to join the Foundation in celebrating this terrific New Jersey historical milestone,” said Bill Linderman, Executive Director.

The event schedule for the day includes:

10 a.m.: Dedication of the Captain Eleanor Alexander Memorial in the Women's Meditation Garden.

10:30 a.m.: Welcome Ceremony

11 a.m.: Tours of the Memorial with Vietnam Veteran tour guides.

1-2 p.m.: Panel Discussion featuring individuals who helped create the Museum.

2 p.m.: Tours of the Memorial with Vietnam Veteran tour guides.

About The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage and valor of Vietnam veterans and that encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects, which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey. For more information visit www.njvvmf.org.

The NJVVMF's Museum & Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel, NJ. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and by special appointment.  Admission is $7 adults; $5 senior citizens and students; and children 10 years of age or younger and veterans and active military personnel are free. For more information on the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, visit www.njvvmf.org or call (732) 335-0033.