We are pleased to invite you to the Veterans Day unveiling of the newly restored Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at Front and Spruce Streets. A more than two-year effort to raise the $500,000 needed for the first phase of our "Duty to Remember" Campaign for the preservation of the Memorial has resulted in the replacement of paving material, restoration of damaged granite, new lighting, a refurbished "wall of names," the installation of flagpoles for each of the Armed Services and other improvements to create virtually a "brand new" Memorial. One of the other exciting improvements is a web-based 24/7 camera system which is online now, will permit individuals to visit our website to view the live video feed of the Memorial. The ceremony will feature an unveiling of the wall of names and raising of the Armed Services flags by an active duty member of each branch of service. The keynote speaker is PA Justice Seamus McCaffrey.

Watch the Live Video Feed Here

The unveiling marks the second phase of our campaign, which is to open the Spruce Street side of the Memorial to create greater awareness and deter the vandalism that has marked the site since it was dedicated 21 years ago. We need to raise an additional $500,000 to complete this phase and are engaged in a variety of fundraising activities, including the offering of a limited edition of 646 original commemorative bricks and granite pavers with personal inscriptions permanently installed at the entrance to the Memorial. As always, if you or your friends are interested in contributing to this cause visit our web site and I hope to see you on Nov. 11.

Terry Williamson, President
Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund