A visit to the Flame of Hope Memorial during the 2018 NAS Oceana Air Show

Photo By Max Lonzanida | The Flame of Hope Memorial, located on Oceana Boulevard in Virginia Beach serves as a constant reminder of the brave servicemembers who are missing in action, were captured as prisoners of war, and those who never returned home. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH , VA, UNITED STATES

09.21.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

September 21, 2018 marks the observance of POW/MIA Recognition Day. According to a White House Presidential Proclamation dated September 20, 2018; On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor all American prisoners of war and express our deep gratitude for the courage and determination they exemplified while enduring terrible hardships. As a Nation, it is our solemn obligation to account for the remains of our fallen American service members and civilians and to bring them home whenever possible. The day itself was established by an Act of Congress via the passage of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act. It’s not a national holiday, but is observed throughout the nation.

Outside Naval Air Station Oceana lies an ornately landscaped monument, the Flame of Hope Memorial. The peaceful and serene monument lies just outside of the fence line of the sprawling Master Jet Base. A large sign on Oceana Boulevard draws visitors into the monument, where visitors can park their vehicles and walk to the monument. The monument itself consists of several brick and granite structures around a towering 34,000-pound granite centerpiece topped with a flame that is never extinguished. According to a plaque on the grounds, the monument itself was conceived as a volunteer project in 1972 by Attack Squadron 43 at NAS Oceana. It was built by volunteers from Construction Battalion 415, and sponsored by the Virginia Beach Jaycees and the Oceana wives of the They’re not forgotten committee. It was formally dedicated on May 22, 1972.

During 2018 NAS Oceana Air Show, which coincided with the facility’s 75th Anniversary, the parking lot to the memorial was full of vehicles. The monument served as prime viewing for spectators to catch glimpses of the US Navy’s Blue Angels, the Canadian Snowbirds, and flight demonstrations by the USAF’s F-22 Raptor. In fact, the approach road on Oceana Boulevard leading to the monument was lined for at least a quarter mile with amateur and professional photographers alike with high powered camera lenses pointed skywards to catch a photograph of the amazing flight demonstrations. On the memorial’s grounds itself, spectators lined folding chairs and were oriented skywards as flight demonstrations delighted spectators both on and off the facility. There were a few visitors who took a break from looking skywards to take a look at some of the granite and stone plaques at the memorial and who took the time to remember those brave service members who never made it home. And for a brief instant amid the roar of aerial demonstrations, the memorial served its purpose of reminding visitors why the flame of hope memorial exists.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.21.2018
• Date Posted: 09.24.2018 12:28
• Story ID: 294148
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH , VA, US