Editor's Note: The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel, N.J.

Sunday, September 16, Rolling Thunder. This is the 6th Annual Motorcycle Cavalcade organized by Rolling Thunder, Inc. to keep the issue of America’s prisoners of war and missing in action in the public eye. The run departs from Warinanco Park, Elizabeth, N.J. at 11:00 a.m., travels the Garden State Parkway and arrives at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, N.J. For additional information call (609) 971-3544.

Thursday, September 20, 7:00 p.m., The Ugly Angels of Vietnam: Marine Helicopter Heroes - video and slide show by Ben Cascioabout. The Ugly Angels of Vietnam: Marine Helicopter Heroes. From mid-1967 to mid-1968, Cascio, a retired Marine Corps captain, was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362) and piloted Sikorsky H- 34 helicopters which, because of both their successful rescue service and their rather ungainly appearance, became affectionately known as the “Ugly Angels.” Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to (732) 335- 0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.

Friday, September 21, 11:00 a.m., POW/MIA & Gold Star Mother's Recognition Day Ceremony. Guest speaker is Zack Roberts, Senior Director of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Roberts was held prisoner in Germany during World War II for 15 months. For additional information call (732) 335-0033.

Wednesday, October 3, 4:00 p.m., Teacher Open House. An invitation to all educators to view the exhibit area, peruse the Resource Room and educational materials and meet the staff and volunteer tour guides. RSVP required. Attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to (732) 335-0033.

Thursday, October 18, 7:00 p.m., A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam - Author lecture by Mary Reynolds Powell about her book, A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam, at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel. In 1970, then 23 year-old Mary Reynolds began a one-year tour of duty as a U.S. Army nurse at the 24th Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh, South Vietnam. Uncertain and alone, she had no idea what lay ahead. Almost thirty years later, Powell tells the story of that year in her life – a year of discomfort, fear and anger, as well as courage, hope and love. She includes the stories of her friends – a helicopter pilot, an infantry captain, a Vietnamese aide, a drug counselor, and an emergency room nurse – who were with her in Vietnam. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to (732) 335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.

Friday, October 19, Fall Forum - Through Their Eyes:Vietnam Veterans’ Experiences An interdisciplinary Forum on the Vietnam Era. The activities include: a keynote address, presentation and discussion sessions, teaching techniques & strategy workshops, tours of the Memorial and Educational Center and continental breakfast and lunch. “Through Their Eyes: Vietnam Veterans’ Experiences” will explore a variety of personal stories behind three phases of Vietnam veterans’ experiences — life before military service and reasons for becoming part of it, life “in country” from the Mekong Delta to the DMZ, and life immediately after and ever since one’s “tour of duty” in Vietnam. Through presentations of personal experiences and eyewitness accounts the stories of Vietnam veterans will be viewed through their eyes. Registration Fee: $50. Pre-registration is required. For additional information call (732) 335-0033.

Saturday, November 3, 1:00 p.m., …and a hard rain fell - Author lecture by John Ketwig. ...and a hard rain fell is the baring of a man's soul in an attempt to explain the effect of Vietnam on his hopes, fears, beliefs and ambitions for himself and for his family. Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP one week prior to (732) 335-0033. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.