IS THE WALL UNSAFE?: VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND HIRES SECURITY FIRM TO EVALUATE POTENTIAL THREATS TO MOST VISITED MEMORIAL
Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel Applauds Effort

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 15, 2003 — The Vietnam Veterans Memorial – the most visited memorial in the nation's capital – will be evaluated over the next month to determine its overall state of security and to assess the existing procedures in the event of a terrorist attack and other potentially dangerous situations, announced Jan C. Scruggs, Founder and President, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Last week, the Memorial Fund hired Oakton, Virginia-based Vance International, Inc., a leading provider of executive protection, uniformed security and asset protection services. Its clients include corporations, law firms, financial institutions and both foreign and domestic government agencies.
 

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been identified by a U.S. government security analysis as an ‘Icon of Democracy’  whose symbolic nature is equal to the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument,” Scruggs said. “Other popular attractions in Washington, D.C., such as the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument, are receiving millions of dollars for extraordinary security measures. It is important that Vance International and its security professionals evaluate the potential for security threats to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its visitors.”

The Jefferson Memorial has closed its public parking lot as a security measure and construction has begun to protect the Washington Monument. In addition, the National Park Service is seeking a $70 million federal government appropriation for an underground visitor center to prevent terrorists from carrying bombs into the Washington Monument.

A team of security experts is evaluating the current state of security at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to determine the site's vulnerability to large-scale attacks and the response procedures to major and minor incidents. The report will be completed over the next month and will be used to determine current and potential security problems, including evacuation of casualties from the Memorial and other nearby monuments in the event of a catastrophe.

“It is important to ensure the safety of the millions of visitors who visit our national monuments every year,” said Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), a Vietnam combat veteran. “The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is taking appropriate and responsible steps to assess possible risks and keep those visiting safe.”

Between 1980-1982, the Memorial Fund raised $8.4 million to build The Wall through contributions from individuals, veterans organizations, foundations and corporations. Two years later, the Memorial Fund presented the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the federal government as gift to the American people.

For nearly 20 years, the National Park Service and the Memorial Fund have jointly maintained the Memorial. The Memorial Fund continues to hold numerous ceremonies and special events at the Memorial each year. It also underwrites and oversees several maintenance-related issues and ongoing projects, including annual name additions and status changes and a new lighting system planned to be installed this year.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most visited memorial in the nation's capital with more than four million visitors each year. It is dedicated to all who served with U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and its black granite panels are inscribed with the names of the 58,235 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the non-profit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, through a series of outreach programs, the organization works to preserve the legacy of The Wall, to promote healing and to educate about the impact of the Vietnam War.

###

Donate Now

Donate Now and Help Us Build The Education Center at The Wall. The stories of our military heroes' stories and sacrifice must never be forgotten

Be an Online Advocate
Spread the word to friends and family.
facebook icon twitter icon

Join Us!
Sign up to receive e-mail updates about
Memorial Fund activities.
Enter your e-mail address below:
Sign up to stay updated on the building of the Education Center and Memorial Fund activities. Enter your e-mail address below:


go
Build The Center

Learn about VVMF's efforts to build an Education Center at The Wall.

go