FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Thursday morning, the U.S Army’s 101st Airborne Division hosted a memorial dedication to commemorate the nine soldiers lost in a helicopter accident last year in Trigg County, Kentucky.

The incident occurred on March 29, 2023, during operations near Lake Barkley State Park Airport when two HH-60 Black Hawk medical evaluation helicopters collided.

Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)
Fort Campbell dedicates memorial honoring fallen aviators. March 28,2024. (Lily Russell)

Families and friends gathered at Memorial Row for the unveiling of the monument, adorned with a helmet and inscribed with the names of those involved in the accident. The families went up one by one and laid yellow roses next to the slabs as a sign of remembrance and respect.

The ceremony included the time-honored military custom of placing coins on the headstones, each bearing its own significance. A penny symbolized paying respects, a nickel denoted training alongside the individual, a dime indicated having served with them, and a quarter marked being present when they perished.

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