Vietnam Veterans Memorial Gets Funding

On August 26, 2024, Marco’s American Legion Post 404 members gathered at the First Horizon Bank on Bald Eagle Drive to receive a check for $600,000 from Marco resident, Vietnam veteran, and donor Rene Champagne. 

“When I heard that American Legion Post 404 had secured approval and support from the City Council for the creation of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial for placement in Marco’s Veterans Community Park (VCP), as a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and resident of the island, I was interested in becoming involved in the project,” said Champagne. 

“I served on active duty in the US Navy from 1963 to 1967 as a naval officer aboard a destroyer (USS Cogswell - DD 651), and I completed two tours of duty in the Vietnam War Zone,” said Champagne. “With great patriotic pride, I agreed to financially sponsor the design, creation, and installation of a beautiful bronze statue of six military personnel and a German shepherd dog in a typical scene during the war. We are targeting March 29, 2026, Vietnam Veterans Day, for the unveiling of this beautiful bronze statue.” 

“More than 58,000 Americans lost their lives in the Vietnam War, and many more veterans returned home with severe injuries,” said Champagne. “The Vietnam War became unpopular, resulting in returning veterans not receiving the proper level of appreciation or thanks from the American public they deserved for their service and, in many instances, sacrifices.” 

Lee Rubenstein, Commander of Marco’s American Legion Post 404, gave an update on the approval process. On April 22, 2024, the Marco Island City Council approved by a 7 to 0 vote the installation of a sculpture dedicated to the Veterans who fought in the Vietnam conflict. Marco Island’s Post 404 has been working on the design of the bronze sculpture with a California studio in the same life-like quality as the Three Soldiers Statute on the National Mall in Washington, DC. In a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the City of Marco Island in May 2024, Post 404 has taken responsibility for the cost of the sculpture, shipment, and installation, as well as the landscaping and hardscaping at its location in the park. 

“Marco’s American Legion 404 and City Council will approve the final drawing before it is created in a wax mold,” said Rubenstein. “Once all changes are completed and all parties are satisfied, then and only then will we approve the project ready for bronze creation. Estimated total time of completion is about 15-18 months with the goal to have the unveiling on Vietnam Veterans Day, 2026.” 

The bronze sculpture will include six military figures showing the diversity of America and the military specialties represented in the Vietnam conflict. It will also include one dog, and Post 404 member Terry Kehoe’s dog Prince, inspired this addition. Terry was a Scout Dog Handler in Vietnam. 

The bronze sculpture will stand on a two-foot concrete circular base about 29 feet in diameter,with foliage representing a tropical scene. The memorial will be surrounded by sidewalks with memorial pavers and benches.  

In 2020, after the Travelling Vietnam Wall That Heals left Marco Island, Marco’s American Legion Post 404 has been working on a concept to honor the Vietnam Veterans. Commander Lee Rubenstein, Joe Batte, Joe Varano, Terry Kehoe, Bill Duncan, John Apolzan, and Bruce Donaldson were on the committee that worked on the memorial. 

"I am incredibly proud of our team at American Legion Post 404 and the support from our local community for making the Vietnam Memorial a reality,” said Yvette Benarroch, 2nd Vice Commander for American Legion Post 404. “This is our way of properly honoring the Vietnam veterans. It reflects the heart and unity of Marco Island as we come together to give these veterans the recognition they have always deserved." 

The presence of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will transform Marco’s Veterans Community Park into a tribute and a moving reminder of the American soldiers who fought and lost their lives in Vietnam. “This Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a special thanks to all veterans involved in the war, including their family members and friends,” said Champagne. 

Residents, businesses and civic organizations, or anyone desiring to honor veterans can help complete the long-awaited Vietnam Veterans Memorial by donating a bench on the grounds surrounding the memorial. For more details, please visit marcoislandpost404.org.