Picture: Congressman Robert Brady delivers remarks pledging support for the "Duty to Remember" Campaign to restore and preserve the Memorial. He is joined by (from left), U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, Terry A. Williamson, President of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund; and Michael L. Daily III, Fund treasurer. (CLICK HERE to view more pictures from the ceremony)

Congressman Robert A. Brady reiterated his support for the “Duty to Remember” Campaign to open up the Spruce Street side of the Memorial in an effort to halt vandalism and enhance awareness of the Penn’s Landing site.

The First District Congressman was joined at the noon ceremony by Congressman Patrick Murphy of the Eighth District, who indicated he supported the effort to seek federal funding for the $2 million campaign, which already has raised $500,000.

Brady noted that he already has provided assistance to the Korean War Memorial across from the site and he pledged to bring a similar level of support to the Vietnam Memorial. The congressman spoke of his work in expanding U.S. House of Representatives’ Wounded Warrior Program to provide employment opportunities, which he announced at the Memorial in July. Long an advocate of veterans’ causes, Brady recently was given an A+ by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Action Fund on their Congressional Report Card.

The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PVVMF) will feature the new design for the Memorial as part of a Veterans Day ceremony, on Nov. 11 at 12 noon at the Memorial’s site at Front and Spruce streets.

The concept for the new design was first introduced last year as part of 20th anniversary observances but this will be an opportunity for veterans and the general public to see an architectural rendering from Cope Linder Architects of Philadelphia.

“The enclosed nature of the Memorial is a haven for skateboarders, vandals and others who continue to desecrate the Memorial protected by the very same seclusion that was designed to foster quiet contemplation,” noted Terry A. Williamson, PVVMF president. The site features an enclosed amphitheater bounded on the north by a wall of scenes from the Vietnam War along Spruce Street and the south by a granite wall inscribed with the names of the 646 Philadelphians who lost their lives in the war.

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial is truly one of city’s hidden treasures. For veterans, it recalls the 646 Philadelphians who lost their lives in one of the most protracted conflicts in American history. For many others, the Memorial goes unnoticed and rarely is a visitor’s destination.

In large part, this stems from the enclosed nature of the Memorial, a reflection of the special reverence sought by Vietnam veterans who often believed their service was either ignored or slighted. The design as envisioned by original architect Perry M. Morgan was an enclosed amphitheater that facilitated the sanctity veterans sought but created other problems scarcely imaginable at the time.

The secluded Memorial also served to breed vandalism and vulgar behavior that desecrates this hallowed ground. Constant vigilance by the police can only do so much to stop those who would deface the memorial, use it as a recreational area or to hide their inappropriate activities.

As we look to the future, we are guided by the past. Over the last 20 years, we have learned that a place of quiet reflection can be used by others for destructive sport or mindless vandalism. To make the Memorial more inviting and meaningful, while improving the security of the site, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is proposing a modification of the layout of the Memorial at Front and Spruce streets.

In the wake of recent vandalism at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a new redesign concept will be unveiled prior to the annual Memorial Day ceremonies on May 26 at noon at the site at Front and Spruce streets.

The concept suggests opening the wall of Vietnam scenes along Spruce Street to provide better visibility for police and make it a less desirable location for vandals, such as those who two weeks ago smashed wreaths and desecrated the enclosed Memorial.

“The Memorial has been the subject of reprehensible acts by vandals and others virtually since it was built 20 years ago,” said Terry Williamson, president of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. “Cameras, police patrols and other measures are no substitute for sending a message that these acts of dishonor will now have to be done in public view.”