“The Ownership of the Ring”  

Celebrated on the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War

WHO:  Brigadier Gen. Dan Cherry, USAF, (Ret.) who shot down a N. Vietnamese fighter pilot, Lt. Nguyen, Hong My, on April 16, 1972 during the Vietnam War

WHAT:  “The Ownership of the Ring” – We will present the story behind the blue sapphire Mackin High School, Washington D.C., Class of 1972 ring purchased in a Hanoi jewelry store in the 80’s by Hong My. After reuniting with Dan in 2008, 36 years after the war ended, Hong My gave the ring to Dan Cherry for safe keeping and to hopefully return to its rightful owner. Today’s event marks a custody ceremony to present the ring to Aviation Heritage Park where the ring will be placed in Dan’s Aviator exhibit case until the owner can be found. This is a Cinderella story of a ring in search of its owner which will bring the “My Enemy, My Friend” story full circle.

In partnership with the Samuel Davies Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution and The American Legion Post 23, Aviation Heritage Park will also announce on May 15th the kick-off of the Honor Rolls fall event and bus trip transporting veterans who fought in that war to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in the state capitol of Frankfort, KY. 

WHEN:  Thursday, May 15, 10 a.m.  (May 15, 1975 was the final U.S. military involvement, the Mayaguez Incident, with the deaths of 38 Americans.)

WHERE:  Aviation Heritage Park, 1825 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY  42104, 270-421-4885

WHY:  A promise made between an enemy and then a friend to bring the class ring home to its original owner, 50 years after the Vietnam War ended.

For more information contact Executive Director Bob Bubnis at Aviation Heritage Park and Museum.