View The 'Huey' Helicopter At Cantigny Park In September

WHEATON, IL — History buffs can view an "iconic symbol of the Vietnam War" outdoors at Cantigny Park throughout September.

The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park will exhibit the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, known as the "Huey," beginning Sept. 1, Jeff Reiter, senior communications manager at Cantigny Park, said in a news release. It will be on display throughout the month.

The Huey "was the workhorse for Army assault units in Vietnam. Its body style and rotor sound made it one of the most recognized aircraft in the world," Reiter said. "The UH-1 was the first turbine powered helicopter to enter production for the U.S. military and entered service in 1959."

Various configurations of the UH-1 were deployed in Vietnam, Reiter said, and used for troop transport, air assault, command and control and evacuation of the wounded. The Huey itself transformed modern warfare by allowing commanders to place combat troops at almost any point on the battlefield, engage the enemy and quickly extract soldiers upon mission completion, Reiter said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the helicopter can attend "Masters of Flight: The Nature of the Huey," an event the museum will host on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. The program will include demonstrations and activities for people of all ages. Though it is free to attend, registration is required. Register here or by calling (630) 260-8162.

Throughout September, the First Division Museum, which promotes public learning about America's military heritage and affairs, will also exhibit and interpret pieces from its military fleet every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with hours extended to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Museum entry is included with Cantigny's parking fee, Reiter said, and face coverings are required indoors regardless of vaccination status.