What happens when the money backing a war memorial dries up? The doors shut, tourists and veterans are turned away, and the memorabilia and plaques inside languish under a layer of dust.
This is exactly what has happened to the
Brooklyn War Memorial.
The Memorial, built 64 years ago, has never been accessible to the general public, which means that only a few people have ever been able to stand before the 11,000 names etched into its inside walls, representing Brooklynites who died fighting in World War II. According to a
GoFundMe page set up by the Cadman Park Conservancy, the memorial is in need of a serious overhaul; new stone work, new roof, new electric, new plumbing, new glass, insulation, and a handicapped accessible ramp, bathrooms, and elevator are all needed before the site can be completely opened to visitors.
Getting the site up to speed is going to be an enormous undertaking---but a devoted group of veterans and supporters are determined to make that dream a reality. Yesterday, the surrounding community
rallied at the memorial to honor the fallen and kick off the restoration effort: