PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The organization that looks after the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Society Hill will have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs after vandals defaced the historic landmark.
The memorial, located at Front and Spruce streets, features a wall of heroes’ names surrounded by lights and is often decorated with flags and flowers. But this week, at least 10 light fixtures and light covers were either removed or smashed. Metal medallions and about 20 bronze, star-shaped skateboard prevention guards were ripped out of the marble across the property.
“This is a new level,” said Jim Curry, a contractor at the memorial through Owners Representative.
He estimates it will cost the nonprofit that cares for the property about $15,000 to $20,000 to make repairs and replace what was stolen.
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Nonprofit leaders say the vandalism happened in the last few days or so. They don’t know who was behind it, but if the vandals decide to scrap what was taken, Curry believes it won’t have much value.
“What they stole, most of it was not brass. It looked like brass because it had a brass finish,” he said. “I haven’t been to a scrapyard lately but if they got $20, I’d be surprised.”
Workers first noticed the vandalism when they found a damaged metal box used to house audio and video equipment for the memorial. It appeared that someone tried to pry it open — adding to the list of damages.
Michael Daily, executive director of the memorial site, said they will need to fundraise to cover the cost.
“You got to be pretty low to get the brass — which takes some time to get out — from what is considered a sanctuary to honor people that were taken in war, and especially their families,” he said.
The nonprofit, in a statement, said this is likely the most damage the memorial has experienced in its 36 years.
“The PVVM board was planning to take on a number of maintenance projects, including the repair of dangerous and severely damaged walks in the area of the memorial. That will need to be put on hold,” said Terry Williamson, president of the site.
“These memorials down here are world-class,” Curry added, “and we want to keep them that way.”
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