Financial District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Vietnam Veterans Plaza
Photographed by Larry Gertner, March 27, 2016
1. Vietnam Veterans Plaza Marker
The triangular area now known as Vietnam Veterans Plaza was built in 1971. The site, formerly named Jeanette Park, was named in honor of The Jeanette, the flagship of an ill-fated Arctic expedition (1879-1881). In 1982, the site was chosen as the home for the Vietnam Veterans memorial, and named by the City Council in honor of the memorial, which was dedicated in 1985. The Plaza and Memorial now stand as New York Citys testimonial to the brave young men and women who served our country during the Vietnam War.
In an effort to transform the Vietnam Veterans Plaza into an attractive and dignified setting for this important memorial, a public/private coalition was formed to lead its redesign and reconstruction with support from the Vietnam Veterans community, the Alliance for Downtown New York, City of New York Parks & Recreation and the City Parks Foundation. Major funding for the project was provided by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, owners of 55 Water Street, a variety of private donors with allocations from the Mayor through the Department of Parks & Recreation, and from the City Council, and the Manhattan Borough
this page online
Erected by NYC Parks.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 1971.
Location. 40° 42.185′ N, 74° 0.61′ W. Memorial is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Financial District. It can be reached from Water Street near Coenties Slip. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: New York NY 10041, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fraunces Tavern Block Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Archaeology of the Stadt Huys Block (about 300 feet away); First Printing Press in the Colony of New York (about 400 feet away);
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 13, 2023
2. Vietnam Veterans Plaza Entrance Sign
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza is a solemn piece of remembrance, honor, and reflection. Within the plaza, which acknowledges the service and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans, is the "Walk of Honor." This lists the names of 1,741 service members-all New York City residents-who were killed in action in Vietnam.
Please be courteous and respectful to others. To apply for a special events permit, visit nyc.gov/parks.
Please be courteous and respectful to others. To apply for a special events permit, visit nyc.gov/parks.
Other markers no longer nearby. Vietnam War Veterans Memorial / Dutch City Hall Site (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Stadt Huys (City Hall) (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); Stone Street Historic District and Colonial New York Street Plan (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
More about this memorial. The markers are within the park.
Regarding Vietnam Veterans Plaza. The memorial is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".
Also see . . . Vietnam Veterans Plaza: New York Citys Tribute to Courage, Sacrifice, and Service. (Submitted on March 7, 2025, by Rajesh Kumar Rana of Brooklyn, New york.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, March 27, 2016
3. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1999
As completed, the Memorial was merely an addition to the existing city park.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, March 27, 2016
4. The plaza reconstruction, 2001
Working on creating a more fitting venue for the memorial.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, March 27, 2016
5. Vietnam Veterans Plaza, 2007
The completed plaza. Etched into the glass of the memorial are the words "We are your sons, America...When you awake, We will still be here."
Photographed by Larry Gertner, March 27, 2016
6. Vietnam Veterans Plaza, Water Street entrance
Plaques are mounted onto the central black marble block.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, March 27, 2016
7. Fr. Vincent Capodanno, USNR
Staten Island's own.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 436 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on March 4, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on January 6, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2. submitted on July 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 6, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos and transcriptions of all of the plaques in the park. Include closeup and wide view photos of the markers, accurate descriptions of their locations, and accurate coordinates. • Can you help?
