Preceding all others, on April 27, 2002, the first plaque to commemorate "Operation Babylift," the rescue and evacuation of thousands of orphans to the U.S. during the last days of the Vietnam War, will be placed on a healthcare facility in Denver. Formerly Continental Care Center, the facility is now the Rocky Mountain Health Care Center, Ltd. 

Continental Care Center received the first 57 children flown-out of Saigon by World Airways President Ed Daly, whose maverick flight on April 2, 1975, became the catalyst to President Gerald R. Ford's implementation of "Operation Babylift." 

Six hundred children of war were cared for in the facility during April/May 1975 by 3500 Denverites, who responded to the crisis for six weeks, until all the children were sent to homes that welcomed them all over America. 

It is appropriate that the tribute to Babylift be placed in the heartland of America. It honors the deed and the thousands of volunteers across the nation who gave of themselves, their resources, and provided a new life for the children of war. 

Of historical significance, the building is constructed on the site of the first Children's Hospital of Denver, which was established in a Victorian mansion in 1910. Twice within a century this site provided a haven for children in distress; the coincidence is seen as a visible act of destiny. 

The momentum to commemorate this all-but-forgotten moment in history is due to the tenacity of the administrator, Shirley Peck Barnes, whose 26-year passion to get a plaque in place will be realized at the April 27 ceremonies. 

The release of her award-winning book, "The War Cradle," the complete untold story of Babylift and Vietnam's children of war, further kindled the interest in the plaque. 

"President Gerald R. Ford became the 'voice' of the children of war with the implementation of Babylift. The placement of the plaque is expected to extrapolate the events of 1975 to what is happening today. Children are still paying the terrible price of being caught in the crossfire of war. More than ever before, the oppressed victims of war need a 'voice.' The plaque is a beginning." Barnes exclaims. 

Volunteers of Friends of the Children of Vietnam, the Denver agency involved in bringing the children to the U.S., Red Cross Volunteers, and the adoptees themselves are expected to attend and will be available to speak. 

There will be a display of photos and artifacts, which, along with the author's memorabilia, interview tapes, etc., will be deposited into the Ford Presidential Library at the University of Michigan to create a Babylift Collection. A quilt, inscribed to Ford, made from the remnants of the orphans' clothing, will also be on display. A similar collection is being established at the University of Denver Penrose Library, who will be registering volunteers' oral histories. 

All Operation Babylift adoptees and volunteers are invited to attend the open-house on April 27, 2002, at 1:00 pm at 2201 Downing Street, Denver.