Buffalo, NY - As we observe the anniversary of D-Day, there are efforts to help restore another monument to another more recent war in US history. Veterans and other volunteers want to make sure the Western New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial is refinished properly.
The now 30 year old memorial sits near the Naval and Serviceman's Park on Buffalo's Waterfront and the years of harsh weather and even people just touching it and leaving memorial items have caused some disrepair.
David Wiedemer was the architect for the monument which carries over 500 names of service members from the area listed as killed, missing in action or POWS from the Vietnam War. He points out the need to replace worn out caulking between the granite stones. It's become worn in spots as people insert flags there.
Some of the inset painting must also be repaired and the stones themselves must be acid-washed and re-finished to restore their luster. Wiedemer says "The weather here where we're located is very harsh on the stone. It is granite... it's Dakota granite and they chose that because of the color and the location... it's a northern climate stone."
A crew from Lacross Monuments will start Monday on a two week job to refinish the monument in time for its re-dedication on Sunday, July 6th. But volunteers have launched a fundraising efforts to help pay the 25 - thousand dollar bill for the project.
Donations for that work are being accepted through the Vietnam Monument Restoration Fund. That is in care of the WNY Veteran's Housing Coalition at 1280 Main Street in Buffalo, NY 14209.
