Members of VVA Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421 at Memorial Park located in Castleton Corners.
In January 1973 a peace agreement was signed ending the direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. The last American troops were withdrawn on March 29 that same year, but the battle did not end then. On April 30, 1975, the last few Americans still in South Vietnam were airlifted out of the country.
To memorialize those who were lost, the Memorial Park was opened in Castleton Corners in May 1988, as a part of the New York State Armory.
Gene DiGiacomo, President of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 421, has said, "We were worried about what was going to happen to it when we were gone."
This past year, the park has had some massive changes and reopened June 2015 with the beginning of its non-maintenance project. Through the Buy-A-Brick Program, the fundraising efforts to successfully complete its Revitalization Project was finished.
Photo Courtesy: Steven Molinari - silive.com
DiGiacomo said next for the non-maintenance project - is to be state approved for removal of the current trees and install PVC fences. With previous and future projects, the park will maintain its beauty for years to come.
The Memorial Park is opened Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and special occasions for those to visit to pay their respects.
The Vietnam War was the longest and most unpopular foreign war in U.S. history and cost 58,000 American lives. (x)
Commemorative bricks can still be purchased. $150 for a 4x8 and $325 for a 8x8. For more information visit vva421.org
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