Is it possible for stone to speak? Here at the Elmhurst Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial, it does.
This memorial honors the veterans of the Vietnam War. It is located in Elmhurst Park in Queens. The Elmhurst Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on December 20, 2019. It serves as a place of remembrance.
The memorial’s design includes a slightly sunken elliptical space. Two Barre Gray Granite walls frame it. One wall lists the names of 371 Queens residents. They died in the Vietnam War. Their ages at death are also noted. Below the names, a timeline highlights major war events. It spans from May 7, 1954, to April 30, 1975. A statement honors veterans who died after the war. This includes those affected by PTSD or Agent Orange. The wall also honors Pat Toro. He was a veteran who advocated for the memorial. He died before its construction.
The opposite granite wall displays an etched bamboo drawing. A bench allows visitors to sit and reflect. The wall’s outside face bears the memorial’s name. A dedication to all Vietnam Veterans is also present. Engravings include the Vietnam Service Medal. Service Marks for the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard are displayed. The walls with the title, names, and history are lit. A flagpole also stands illuminated.
At the Elmhurst Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial center, a granite map shows the Vietnam area. Key locations from the historical text are marked. A vertical seam runs through Vietnam on the map. It marks the memorial’s longitudinal great circle.
The surrounding plants were carefully chosen. They provide year-round color. There is a focus on green, yellow, and red fall colors. These match the Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon colors. These colors are especially prominent around Veterans Day.
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz donated the memorial. She secured the funding. The New York City Parks Department, Queens veterans, and community leaders supported its construction. It is the first memorial honoring all Queens residents. They served and died in action during the Vietnam War. Some were listed as Missing in Action.
The Elmhurst Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial experienced vandalism on June 2, 2021. The graffiti included negative messages and a swastika. It was condemned by Queens leaders.
The Elmhurst Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a testament. It honors the sacrifices of Queens residents during the Vietnam War. It offers a place for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. It ensures their bravery is remembered. It will be remembered for generations.