Veterans and elected officials gathered in front of Veterans Memorial Arena Friday for the rededication of Jacksonville’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial.The memorial was refurbished to it’s original condition. It was the second Vietnam Veterans monument in the country when it was originally dedicated in 1974.
The memorial had been at the old Duval County Courthouse on Bay Street, but began to show it’s age due to neglect.
Vietnam Veteran Anthony D’Aleo said the monument is now in a much more respectful place.
"They brought honor back to the monument. It was lime green color. It was disgraceful," he said. "It was in a bad location. We started cleaning it up about a year ago and we decided to try and get it moved."
Mayor Alvin Brown thanked the Vietnam Veterans who attended the ceremony. He also said he’ll continue efforts to make Jacksonville the most veteran and military-friendly city in the nation.
You can follow Kevin Meerschaert on Twitter @KMeerschaertJax.
