February 28, 2024
Philadelphia’s beloved Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located at 108 Spruce Street near Penn’s Landing, was badly vandalized last August with the thief making off with brass lighting plate covers and custom-made concrete skateboard barriers.
Following the incident, IBEW Local 98 offered to cover the costs of labor required to repair the extensive damage. But officials of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial announced that $50,000 is still needed to pay for the project’s materials. IBEW Local 98, which has long supported military vets, police officers, firefighters and all First Responders, is leading a fundraising effort on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to help reach this goal.
“Approximately 58,000 members of the U.S. Military died in service to our nation in the Vietnam War, many of them Philadelphians” said Mark Lynch, Jr., Business Manager of IBEW Local 98. “Our city’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a beautiful, moving tribute to those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The fact that someone would vandalize it is a disgrace. It’s now up to everyday Philadelphians, as well as to our corporate, and philanthropic communities, to raise the funds needed to return the Memorial to its original glory.”
Anyone interested in contributing to the memorial repair fund can make a secure online donation via the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website.
Checks made payable to “Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial” can be mailed to:
Philadelphia’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial
P.O. Box 29425
Philadelphia, PA 19125
