Dedicated 25 years ago, this memorial sits beside the Manor Road Armory, which is partially visible in the background. In addition to the names of the Staten Islanders who died in the war, the memorial also features the second stanza of the "Ode of Remembrance", as well as the bitter tribute reproduced below.
OBITUARY
SOUTHEAST ASIA — Johnny "POW-MIA" America, died Tuesday (Feb. 1, 1994) along with over two thousand of his brothers at a prisoner of war camp somewhere in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos.
Mr. America was born a native son of the United States of America. Johnny America lived somewhere in Heartland America before being moved to Southeast Asia sometime between Jan. 1, 1959 and May 7, 1975.
Mr. America was employed by the U.S. Government for the people of the United States of America. He was in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. Mr. Johnny America's occupation was to put his life on the line in the name of "DEMOCRACY and FREEDOM."
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Mr. America was awarded years of solitary confinement, torture, starvation and the loss of his rights as a human being. Johnny's fate ended at the hands of political greed and the government's lifting of the "TRADE EMBARGO".
Mr. America would have been a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, VFW or DAV.
Surviving are his mother, father, sister, brother, wife, children, relatives and friends. Johnny was forgotten by his country, but will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of his fellow Veterans. Johnny America's spirit will live on forever and never be forgotten.
Family and friends of Johnny America wait patiently for words of wisdom from Johnny's "GOOD OLD UNCLE SAM."
Services are held at all veterans meetings and nationally every September at every Memorial Park. Visitation is every day at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Deeply poignant in its timelessness. Thanks to all who served and are serving even if we disagree with the cause.