The Naval Aviation Monument at Virginia Beach

The Naval Aviation Monument Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a touching and stirring memorial to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve in U.S. Navy aviation. The memorial opened in May of 2006. Laser engraved granite markers display photographs as well as historical facts and names of veteran aviators through the years. The bronze sculptures by renowned artist Michael Maiden are breathtaking. Several scenes are depicted in this expansive park area next to the ocean boardwalk.

Imagine it is November, 1910. The USS Birmingham is near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay with the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the East. Eugene Ely, wearing a football helmet in addition to his flight jacket, prepares to become the first pilot to fly an airplane off the deck of a warship. The biplane, rickety and gangly, races off the end of the ship, dips down and recovers its lift. You can see the pilot's pride in the stance of Ely's statue.

The setting is World War II in the Pacific Theater. "Pilots man your planes" echoes through the PA system on the carrier. The pilots rush to the steel hatch leading to the flight deck. The sculpture of a pilot with his mission board followed closely by his crewman is both touching and exciting. Once again the details of the Maiden art grabs at your emotions. You feel like you can reach out and pull the survival knife right out of the pilot's sheath.

"The Homecoming" is a very poignant rendition of a pilot coming home to his family after a deployment overseas. Mother is holding their young son while their daughter runs gleefully towards her daddy. The returning pilot has outstretched arms waiting to embrace the reason he serves. Think of the countless times this scene has been repeated over the years. Also remember those men and women who did not come back.

This park is the brainchild of the Hampton Roads Squadron of the Association of Naval Aviation. The original price tag was 1.5 million, and was dedicated in May, 2006. The statue of the homecoming scene was added later. The bronze sculptures were the work of Michael Maiden of Oregon. Maiden researched for over two years preparing for his creations and utilized live models in period clothing for his work. The Virginia Aviation Monument Park is located at the intersection of 25^th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Sources:
Personal experience
The Hampton Roads Squadron of the Association of Naval Aviation
Hampton Roads dot Com