LANSING | The Lansing Veterans Memorial Ceremonial Honor Guard welcomed back an old friend for Sunday's annual Memorial Day program.

The UH-1 Huey helicopter that was taken down from atop the memorial in February to be refurbished was rededicated during the ceremony, which paid special tribute to those who have served the United States aboard military helicopters.

Lansing resident and honor guard member Bill Baker headed up the Huey's restoration.

"They had to put a whole new tail section on and we put a replacement door on and a complete paint job and re-stenciling," Baker said.

Rich Dominiak, the ceremony coordinator, provided the crowd with a history of the aircraft, explaining that it was built in 1967 and how it saw its first combat action in South Vietnam that same year.

It was obtained from the Department of Defense and was first placed at the memorial at Lansing Municipal Airport in May 1990.

A highlight of the ceremony was a live reenactment of the statue that stands in front of the Huey that depicts one soldier carrying another injured soldier.

Col. Frank Linster served the Army in Vietnam and compiled more than 1,800 hours of combat time in a Huey.

He served as the main speaker for Sunday's ceremony.

"The Huey was one of the most dependable pieces of military equipment we've ever built," Linster said.

Linster told how his helicopter, named Mr. Lucky, once survived an attack in which it received 183 bullet holes.

Linster said that having a Huey on display makes the Lansing Memorial special.

"I think it's a great reminder to what happened, the sacrifices that the soldiers made," he said. "A lot of the freedoms that we have in this country are not available to other people around the world."

Sharon Gryz, of Manteno, was among those who gathered for the ceremony, which also included the laying of wreaths by veteran organizations and a 21-gun salute.

"I don't think we'd be here if it wasn't for the armed services," Gryz said.