WILDWOOD — The city’s permanent Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall may find a new home on the boardwalk or at Fox Park, according to Vince DePrinzio.
DePrinzio, treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans of America Wildwood Chapter 955, is working with his group as well as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts to bring a permanent wall after the success of the “The Wall That Heals,” a half-scale replica of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., that traveled to the city in July.
The endeavor holds personal significance to DePrinzio, because it was his cousin’s, Greg Mazzotta, dream to have a enduring memorial in the city. Mazzotta, former president of the local VVA chapter, passed away in September 2008.
DePrinzio credits Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. and Commissioner Bill Davenport for their help in finding a permanent location for the wall. He said that he sees the merit in both loca-tions, but noted that while having a memorial on the boardwalk would be preferable, he said he was concerned about the possible delays that go along in dealing with city and state property.
The group that brought the traveling wall in July would be the same group that manufactures the lasting wall, however the aluminum panels wouldn’t be able to last in the salt air. DePrinzio said that the city’s wall would be specially manufactured to withstand the weather here.
Panels with the names of 58,000 names of those who lost their lives or went missing in the Vietnam War, laser-etched to the reflective graphite black panels.
The specialized panels come with a hefty cost. DePrinzio said that the price tag would be approximately $150,000 including the frame.
DePrinzio said that it would take about 128 days to build the frames and about 2 months to etch the panels.
To realize Mazzotta’s dream, DePrinzio said that the local VVA, American Legion and VFW posts have “serious” fundraising to do.
Their first event is set for Feb. 7 from 7 till 10 p.m. at the Bolero Resort. Tickets are avail-able at the American Legion Post at 4200 Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood or by contacting DePrinzio at 609-780-3872.
The lengthy fundraising efforts ahead and the search for a location doesn’t worry DePrinzio.
“I know we’ll find a place and I know we’ll raise the money,” he said. “Everyone, all the veterans are so thrilled about it.”
Having a permanent wall here will also give Wildwood unique status.
“No city or borough in New Jersey has a wall that honors all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam,” said DePrinzio. “The wall in Holmdel only has the names from New Jersey.”
Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com
