JACKSONVILLE, Onslow County — A new memorial honoring 31 Marine Corps crew members who lost their lives in flight was unveiled Friday at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville.
The memorial is dedicated to Marine Flight Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, recognizing the squadron’s 55-year legacy of service and sacrifice.
More than 60 Gold Star family members attended the dedication ceremony, where many saw their loved ones honored on the memorial.
“This memorial is for you. It’s a tribute to your service and sacrifices in defense of our nation and the freedoms that we enjoy every day,” a speaker said during the ceremony.
The speaker said the monument will serve as a lasting reminder of the Marines who gave their lives.
“This monument will be an enduring symbol for all future Gunrunners that we remember those who have gone before us.”
The memorial has been five years in the making and marks a first for Lejeune Memorial Gardens.
It is the first memorial dedicated to an individual Marine Corps unit to be approved for placement at the gardens.
Marine Flight Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 was activated in 1971 as the Marine Corps’ first attack helicopter squadron.
During Friday’s ceremony, another speaker highlighted the squadron’s history and contributions.
“I should note that this squadron and its people have been involved in every major contingency and conflict since 1971,” the speaker said. “The honors bestowed upon this squadron are impressive in every way.”
The new memorial will serve as a permanent tribute to the 31 crew members who lost their lives in flight and the squadron’s decades of military service.