OC Supervisor Calls for Demolition of Controversial Vietnam Memorial

UPDATE: The future of the Vietnam War memorial in Mile Square Park is in jeopardy as OC Supervisor Janet Nguyen demands its demolition due to ongoing corruption concerns. During a press conference on November 10, 2025, Nguyen declared, “It’s shameful, it’s a disgrace. This is not how we honor our veterans at all.”

This urgent development follows three years and $1 million spent on a project that remains incomplete and in dire condition. The memorial, contracted to the Viet America Society, has faced severe scrutiny since former OC Supervisor Andrew Do pleaded guilty to bribery charges related to the funding of this project.

The unfinished memorial, located in Fountain Valley, is marked by cracked granite and incomplete engravings, raising serious concerns about its structural integrity. Nguyen stated that estimates for repairs range from $168,000 to $420,000, with additional costs to ensure compliance with ADA standards potentially exceeding $1 million.

“This is a safety hazard,” Nguyen warned, referencing the potential risks posed by the large granite slabs in an earthquake. She emphasized that demolition, estimated to cost between $25,000 and $30,000, presents the most viable solution.

Veterans’ advocates are rallying behind Nguyen’s recommendation. Nick Berardino, president of the Veterans Alliance for Orange County (VALOR), voiced his support, stating, “I agree that the wall should be torn down because it’s enveloped in controversy and corruption.”

The memorial, intended to honor Vietnam veterans, is now mired in scandal, with allegations of mismanagement of funds meant for nutrition programs for vulnerable populations. As the county pursues a civil lawsuit against Nguyen’s predecessors, the future of the memorial remains uncertain.

Moving forward, Nguyen is exploring options for a new memorial that would appropriately honor veterans, possibly at a new veterans cemetery planned for Gypsum Canyon. “We gotta do it right, because we owe it to these veterans,” Nguyen asserted.

As the situation develops, county leaders are expected to make a decision on the memorial’s fate soon. This urgent issue not only impacts local veterans but also reflects broader concerns about accountability in public funding. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this critical story.