PO Box 2585, Peachtree City, GA 30269
[email protected]
800-832-5144
Bellingham, Washington
All Members of the CHPA:
Memorial Day Observances began after the Civil War and became an official Federal Holiday in 1971. On Memorial Day we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally called Decoration Day, Americans observe it by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
This year marks a departure from the norm, as the world has been stricken by the COVID 19 pandemic. This has changed much of how we live day-to-day, and this includes Memorial Day observances. Gone are the parades and pageantry. The tradition of the Army’s 3rd Infantry placing flags on every grave at Arlington National Cemetery remains, but the tradition of volunteers placing flowers on those same graves is no more. My town, Bellingham, Washington, has a very large flag and pole in the city center which is maintained by the local VFW Post. That flag has been flying at half-staff for weeks now…honoring the citizens we’ve lost to the virus. It, of course, will remain at half-staff this weekend to honor our fallen soldiers, sailors, and airmen from past conflicts.
So, even though this year is different from most others, please join me and the rest of the CHPA Board in honoring and remembering all those we’ve lost from all of our Nation’s wars including our warrior aviators. All gave some, but some gave all…so that freedom reigns.
Very Respectfully
Al Major
VP Membership
Combat Helicopter Pilots Association
Welcome To The Combat Helicopter Pilots Association (CHPA)
CHPA is dedicated to Multiple Goals
- To organize and unify US Armed Forces Rotary Wing Aviators and crew members from all service branches who have flown helicopter combat missions;
- To remember and honor our fallen aviation comrades lost during helicopter combat operations;
- To conduct national and regional social activities;
- To conduct charitable activities related to the US military helicopter community.
