Memorial Park is home to many different events and has been the center of community activity throughout its history. The Park has been visited by a number of famous musicians, such as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
It was also the site of a native zoo that was known for having animals in cages that blended into their natural surroundings.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The third Friday of September is set aside as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a time to remember those who were prisoners of war or servicemembers still unaccounted for from various conflicts. During this time, the POW/MIA flag is flown over government buildings, including military installations.
Until 1979, there wasn’t a formal recognition day, but Congress and the president passed resolutions making it official after families of the more than 2,500 missing from the Vietnam War pushed for full accountability.
Today, the Defense Department’s POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues to make efforts to account for all missing servicemembers and veterans, fulfilling America’s promise of leaving no man behind.
Korean War
The Korean War was a turning point in global politics. It highlighted the importance of military preparedness and the role of international organisations. It forged deep Western alliances. And it set the stage for Cold War divisions, including the deepening Sino-Soviet alliance and the concept of containment.
In late June 1950, forces of Communist North Korea crossed the 38th parallel dividing the two Koreas. The United Nations – a relatively new organisation at the time – quickly condemned the attack. The fighting dragged on until the end of July when armistice talks began. These dragged on for almost two years until an agreement was finally reached on 27 July 1953.
Vietnam War
During World War II, Ho Chi Minh led a national liberation movement (the Viet Minh) that fought the French colonial government and allied with Allied forces in Asia.
By 1968, these PAVN and NLF forces were poised to launch an all-out offensive across South Vietnam. General Westmoreland’s public reassurances that “the light at the end of the tunnel” was close were countered by the PAVN’s relentless assault.
Scholars continue to examine the impact of the conflict, including its immediate legacies like the diaspora and the environmental and health impacts of Agent Orange. But a fuller understanding of the war’s significance will only come as documents are declassified and as scholars grapple with new evidence.
World Trade Center
The World Trade Center was once the most iconic symbol of New York City, and its Twin Towers were a signature feature of the skyline. It was a major hub for business and government offices, and the buildings were the tallest in the world when they fell on September 11, 2001.
The site is now home to One World Trade Center, the September 11 Memorial & Museum, and the Perelman Performing Arts Center. Other planned developments include the Oculus Transportation Hub, 2 WTC, and 7 WTC.
Two enormous reflecting pools mark the sites of the former North and South towers. The names of those killed in the attacks are engraved around their edges.
U.S. Navy Armed Guards
During the war Armed Guards served aboard all the troop, cargo, and auxiliary merchant ships which went to dangerous waters. They fought against enemy submarines, aircraft, and surface ships. Often they were the only gun crews on a ship. Outstanding Armed Guard officers, who had participated in especially heavy engagements, were brought back to Washington to give information on enemy tactics and made instructors in the schools.
While awaiting ship assignment, enlisted men were given brush-up instructions in first aid, A to N, naval courtesy, fire drill and seamanship. Classes were also held on chemical warfare and aircraft recognition.
AIDS Memorial
For 24 years the Friends of AIDS Memorial Park has celebrated World AIDS Day on December 1. This event includes a sunset service that reads all names inscribed on the memorial walls and includes a reading by the Poet Laureate of Key West.
The AIDS Memorial Park honors New Yorkers who died of HIV-related causes and acknowledges their caregivers. It is located across the street from St. Vincent’s Hospital and in close proximity to many other sites central to the history of AIDS. The design of the park is a threshold that mediates between remembrance and contemporary community. Its raised ground surface invites people to connect with one another in a place of contemplation and dialogue.