PASSAIC COUNTY TO UNVEIL VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL  

Wayne, New Jersey – On Saturday, May 18^th, 2024, Passaic County will hold a dedication and unveiling ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, honoring the over-58,000 lives lost in the Vietnam War, including 83 natives of Passaic County.

The culmination of a multi-year effort, with construction taking place over the last several months, the Memorial Wall will be among the largest in the nation (the largest being the Memorial in Washington, D.C.).  The total length of the concrete wall is 368 feet; the west and east sides are 184 feet long each to the middle/angle point.  The wall’s height is 2.5 feet at the ends, and 9 feet in the middle.

The conception for the Memorial Wall began several years ago, with Passaic County Commissioner Cassandra ‘Sandi’ Lazzara taking a lead role in spearheading the effort.

‘Passaic County has always put an emphasis on honoring and serving our veterans’, said Commissioner Lazzara.  ‘Passaic County will never leave any veteran behind, and we will always put our veterans first.  They have given the full measure of their devotion to their nation, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Americans. Their service is a powerful example for all, and it is our hope and goal that this memorial will serve as a tribute to their character, selflessness, and sacrifice.’

The dedication and unveiling ceremony is being planned and organized by the committee consisting of Commissioner Lazzara, key county department members, and several of Passaic County’s Vietnam veterans.

‘The servicemembers who were lost in the Vietnam War must never be forgotten. This memorial wall will carry forward their legacies, and attest to our lasting gratitude’, said the planning committee members. ‘For our living veterans, this will be a place to reflect on their own service and that of their fallen comrades.  For our veteran families, this will be a place to remember their loved ones.   For our children, it will be a place to learn about duty, honor, and county – and what it means to be an American. And for all residents throughout Passaic County and our entire state, this will be a standing testament and a lasting reminder that service is at the heart of our society, so bravely exhibited by the courage and sacrifice of the fallen Vietnam War veterans, towards our shared purpose and responsibility to keep America peaceful, prosperous, and free.’

When:

Saturday, May 18^th at 10 AM

Who:

Passaic County Commissioners

Passaic County Veterans

Federal, Legislative Representatives

Where:

Passaic County Public Safety Academy Parking Lot, 300 Oldham Road, Wayne NJ 07470

Note: The county expects this to be a heavily attended event; there is no parking at the Public Safety Academy; parking will be available at the PCTVS campus (45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne NJ 07470). Shuttle service will begin transporting to the ceremony site at 8am.  Handicapped buses will be available.  Early arrival is advised, as the ceremony will start promptly at 10am.