NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Nov 5, 2005

ANN-MARGRET TO APPEAR AT AVIATION NATION AIR SHOW
TO ‘WELCOME HOME,’ THANK AMERICA’S VIETNAM VETERANS

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In March 1966, Ann-Margret embarked on the first of two USO tours to entertain U.S. servicemembers serving their nation in the most remote regions of Southeast Asia. Nearly 40 years later, she will reunite with ‘her boys’ at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 12 as part of Operation Welcome Home—a four-day local celebration to publicly honor, thank and recognize America’s 2.7 million Vietnam veterans.

"In 1966 and 1969 I went to Vietnam to perform and to entertain, but I received so much more than I could ever give," Ann-Margret said. "I hold these memories near and dear. When I returned home, I realized that I was so much more for the experience and although I was never very good at geography, I can still name those cities we traveled through."

Ann-Margret will speak at 1 p.m. Nov. 12 as part of a USO tribute during Aviation Nation 2005—The Nellis Air Force Base – Las Vegas Centennial Air Show. Drummer turned actor Mickey Jones, who toured Vietnam with Ann-Margret in 1966, is producing the show. Performers include recording artists Hank Brake and Paulette Carlson who have a passion for Vietnam veterans and have donated their time to be with them this weekend.

In addition to Aviation Nation, which is scheduled Nov. 12 and 13, other Operation Welcome Home events include a visit by The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial Nov. 10-13; the Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11; and a weekend-long ‘Patriot Party’ at the Fremont Street Experience Nov. 11-13. For the full story on Aviation Nation and Operation Welcome Home visit: www.VietnamWelcomeHome.org. More information about Ann-Margret is available at: www.ann-margret.com.

About Operation Welcome Home

	Nov. 10-13, Las Vegas and Nellis Air Force Base will host a four-day national kick-off for Operation Welcome Home—a one-year celebration to publicly honor, thank and recognize America’s 2.7 million Vietnam veterans. The culmination of a nine-month local celebration which began in Mesquite, Nev., Feb. 10-13. Operation Welcome Home activities currently include a USO Reunion Show, which takes place during
Operation Welcome Home is an official Las Vegas Centennial Event
Aviation Nation 2005—The Nellis Air Force Base-Las Vegas Centennial Air Show, Nov. 12-13; a visit by The Moving Wall Nov. 10-13; the Las Vegas Operation Welcome Home Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11; and a free nightly Operation Welcome Home Patriots Party at Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience Nov. 11-13. www.VietnamWelcomeHome.org

About Aviation Nation

Aviation Nation 2005--the Nellis Air Force Base-Las Vegas Centennial Air Show occurs Nov. 12-13. Officially endorsed by Las Vegas through Las Vegas Events, Aviation Nation is the homecoming show of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron. The Veterans Day weekend event is recognized as the Air Force’s premier air show and one of America’ most diverse and entertaining aviation events. Over 100 classic, historical and front-line military aircraft, including the F/A-22 Raptor and Vietnam-era aircraft, will fly and be on display this year. For the fourth consecutive year, top Aviation Nation supporter Boyd Gaming Corporation presents Las Vegas Air Racing--a wingtip-to-wingtip demonstration of the world’s fastest motor sport. For more information, visit: www.AviationNation.org

About the Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade

Las Vegas has had an annual Veterans Day Parade for the past 34 years. Presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1753, the event averages more than 100 entries and 2,000 participants annually. The one-mile parade route follows Fourth Street in Downtown Las Vegas with more than 20,000 spectators in attendance.  For more information, visit: www.LVVetParade.org

About The Moving Wall

The Moving Wall is the original half-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.  It will be set up in a somber area between the Main Street Station and Plaza Hotel adjacent to Fremont Street. The public may view the wall throughout the day and evening from 9 a.m. Nov 10 to midnight Nov 14.  For more information, visit: www.TheMovingWall.org

About Fremont Street Experience Patriot Party

The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas is celebrating veterans with a free Patriot Party, which will take place under the 1,500-foot Viva Vision canopy that rises above Fremont Street. Scheduled headliners include Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals (Nov. 11) and the legendary ‘70s rock band The Guess Who (Nov. 12). A special light show called "Above and Beyond," will debut in honor of veterans Nov. 11.  For more information, visit: www.VegasExperience.com

About the Aviation Nation Foundation

This news is released by Aviation Nation Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, non-Federal organization with the mission of promoting American airpower through support of annual air shows at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. ANF does not intend to imply official endorsement of the U.S. Air Force or any other government agency.

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