Mayor Brandon Johnson, MOVA and 2FM Announce Restoration of Chicago's Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago's Riverwalk was bustling with excitement today as Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the Department of Fleet and Facilities Management (2FM) and Kevin Barszcz, Director of the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA), announced the restoration of the Chicago Remembers Vietnam Veterans Memorial. After years of deferred maintenance, this tribute to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War has been brought back to its former glory.

Mayor Johnson expressed his gratitude to all veterans for their sacrifices and declared March 29th as the official Vietnam Veterans Day in the City of Chicago. He also highlighted the dedication of MOVA in ensuring that veterans have access to their earned benefits through partnerships at all levels of government.

The Chicago Remembers Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 2005, and features the engraved names of 2,936 Illinois veterans. However, over time, some names and inscriptions had faded and become difficult to read. When Barszcz received a call from a concerned Vietnam veteran about the need for repairs, he knew it was a personal commitment to lead efforts in restoring this monument.

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Barszcz shared his personal connection to the Vietnam War through his father's service and emphasized the significance of this memorial not only to him but also to the larger veteran community and their families. He worked closely with 2FM Deputy Commissioner Michelle Woods to develop an ongoing maintenance plan that includes regular inspections and cleanings to ensure its longevity.

Woods, who was present at the memorial's dedication in 2005, recalled its profound impact on attendees who had personal connections to those whose names are inscribed on the wall. She acknowledged that while it was a challenging project, she is proud that this administration found a way to get it done.

Jim Balcer, former Alderman of the 11th ward, Vietnam War veteran, and previous Director of Veteran Affairs commended Barszcz's dedication to serving the veteran community. He stated, "From our initial conversations, I knew Kevin was the right guy. Through his leadership, this monument has been brought back to its former glory, and we are actively looking at other monuments citywide. I commend his dedication and look forward to the ongoing positive impact he will make on our veteran community."

The City of Chicago invites everyone to join the Veteran Community on March 29th for National Vietnam Veterans Day. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Chicago Remembers Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Riverwalk. It is a day to commemorate and honor the sacrifices of our veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The restoration of this memorial serves as a reminder of their bravery and dedication to our country.

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