Red Ribbon Ceremony held @ New Vietnam Memorial Wall in Wallkill

Town of Wallkill was proud to dedicate the completed Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Tuesday, April 30, the anniversary of the 1975 end of the Vietnam war. The event, hosted by the Town of Wallkill and the Vietnam Veteran Wall Committee welcomed Senator James Skoufis, Assemblywoman Aileen Guther, Wallkill Supervisor George Serrano, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, and many Vietnam veterans from the local area to Veteran’s Park for the dedication. 

The ceremony and the wall was nearly 30 years in the making, coming in at a final cost of over $350,000. The Vietnam Veterans Wall Committee raised $200,000 through donations and fundraising, and the remaining funds were provided through grants from Senator Skoufis and Assemblywoman Gunther’s offices. 

Town Councilman Mark Coyne hosted the event and Vietnam veteran Mike Cody, who has been tireless in his efforts toward the wall’s construction and completion, was in attendance. “I am thrilled with the completion of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument after three decades of dedicated work by Mike Cody and others,” said Town Councilman Coyne. “This is a true testament to their unwavering commitment. Every Vietnam veteran who visits the wall for generations to come will now feel the appreciation and love from their community.”

Senator James Skoufis

“The dedication of the Wallkill Vietnam Memorial Wall is a reminder that the events of the Vietnam war did not happen only on a grand stage—the impact was felt here at home,” said Senator Skoufis. “The names listed on the memorial are not just the sons of Wallkill, they are the heroes of Wallkill, and I am grateful to those who worked tirelessly to memorialize them. I am proud to stand with Mike Cody, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Committee, and everyone so dedicated to the memory of all those who served our country.”

“I want to commend the efforts of Mike Cody and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall Committee for their tireless dedication to seeing this 30-year project through to its completion,” said Assemblywoman Gunther. “This beautiful memorial will act as a monument to those who served in Vietnam, as well as a reminder to honor the veterans in our communities. The heroes of this country deserve our unending gratitude.”

Orange County Executive, Steve Neuhaus

at the Memorial Wall

It was an honor to attend Tuesday night’s ribbon cutting for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in the Town of Wallkill. The organizers put together a truly beautiful and moving event. Thank you to Mike Cody, Lou Ingrassia, the Town of Wallkill DPW, Orange County NY Tourism’s Rachel Carr, the VVMW Committee, State representatives, and everyone who played a role in bringing this memorial wall that was 30 years in the making over the finish line; it is worth the wait.

Town of Wallkill Supervisor George Serrano

“I’m honored and proud to have this Memorial here in the Town of Wallkill, as we can’t forget the men and women who served and have given the ultimate sacrifice for us to have freedom,” said Town of Wallkill Supervisor Serrano.

The memorial wall is engraved with the names of Orange County residents who fought in the Vietnam War from 1955-1975, and the committee has forms available for anyone wishing to have their name or the name of a family member or friend added to the wall. 

Story and images from Senator James Skoufis' Team.

There is also video we can forward to anyone wants to watch (845-381-0804)