Do you hear the faint echoes of a city’s gratitude? We are standing at the Vietnam Veterans Plaza. This plaza is more than just a space. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of New York City’s Vietnam War veterans.
Originally, this land was a roadway named Coenties Slip. Dutch sailors used it in the 17th century. The slip was filled in 1835. It became Jeannette Park in 1884.
By the mid-20th century, Robert Moses rebuilt the park. It included horseshoe pitches and tennis courts. Paul Friedberg redesigned the land in 1971. He added the amphitheater fountain.
In 1982, plans emerged to transform Jeannette Park. It would become a memorial for Vietnam War veterans. Architects Peter Wormser and William Fellows and writer Joseph Ferrandino won the design competition.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission raised $2.5 million. Donald Trump contributed $1 million. The park was officially renamed Vietnam Veterans Plaza on July 20, 1983.
The plaza would feature a memorial wall. It would be similar to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. But it would be made of glass blocks.
Mayor Edward I Koch dedicated it on May 6, 1985. It honored 1741 New York City citizens. They died during the Vietnam War. It also honored 250000 men and women who served between 1964 and 1975.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani rededicated the plaza on November 9, 2001. This followed the September 11 attacks. A $7 million restoration had taken place. A new ceremonial entrance was added. It provided access from Water Street to South Street. A black granite fountain was placed at the center.
The Walk of Honor contains 12 polished granite pylons. They bear the names of all 1741 people who died. The Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza was established in 1999. They wanted to redesign and rebuild the plaza.
The Plaza at 55 Water Street was the first public space rededicated. This was after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. The rededication occurred the Friday before Veterans Day 2001. Two thousand veterans and their families attended. 600 relatives of New York City’s lost sons and daughters were present.
The commission sought writings from the Vietnam War years. Over 3000 letters poems and diary entries were submitted. Excerpts from over 80 were chosen for the memorial.
Thousands jammed Vietnam Veterans Plaza. Fireworks burst in the night sky. Veterans approached the wall. Some touched it and wept. Others left mementos.
The next day, New Yorkers applauded the Vietnam War veterans. One sign read “Dear America It’s Time”. Some 30000 veterans marched across the Brooklyn Bridge. Public opinion evolved. Americans embraced the warriors if not the war.
More names were introduced to this place of words. 1744 New Yorkers died in the war. They are listed alphabetically. These names form a solemn path. It is a Walk of Honor. Also new is a detailed map of major locations and battles in Vietnam. There is also a water display flowing over a disk of polished granite.
The plaza’s centerpiece is the wall of glass block and granite. It was cleaned and given a new interior lighting system.
As you leave remember the words of Major Michael Davis O’Donnell. He said save a place inside of you for them. Embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.