Urgent Action on Unfinished Vietnam War Memorial in Fountain Valley

UPDATE: An unfinished Vietnam War memorial in Fountain Valley‘s Mile Square Park is sparking immediate calls for demolition. During a press conference on November 10, 2025, First District OC Supervisor Janet Nguyen expressed outrage over the state of the memorial, which has cost taxpayers $1 million yet remains incomplete and damaged.

Nguyen’s remarks come as the memorial stands with visible cracks and unfinished engravings, raising urgent concerns about honoring veterans properly. “It’s shameful, it’s a disgrace. This is not how we honor our veterans at all,” Nguyen stated, advocating for a complete overhaul of the project. She is urging county leaders to consider demolition as the most viable option, citing repair estimates that range from $168,000 to $420,000.

This situation has escalated following allegations of corruption surrounding the memorial’s funding. Former OC Supervisor Andrew Do has pleaded guilty to bribery charges, which involved directing contracts to Viet America Society, the organization initially contracted for the memorial’s construction. Peter Pham, founder of the nonprofit, faces multiple charges, including wire fraud.

As the memorial lies next to an undeveloped dirt road, the condition of the site has raised safety concerns. Nguyen warned that granite slabs could pose hazards during an earthquake and emphasized the lack of documentation regarding the materials used and expenditures.

Demolition costs are estimated at $25,000 to $30,000, making it a more cost-effective solution than further repairs. Nguyen is pushing for a future project that could serve as a true tribute to veterans, possibly at a planned veterans cemetery in Gypsum Canyon.

Veterans organizations, including VALOR, are supporting Nguyen’s call for action. “We don’t want our heroes associated with that,” said Nick Berardino, VALOR’s president and a Vietnam veteran himself.

The urgency of this situation highlights not only the need for accountability in public projects but also the deeper commitment to honoring those who served. As the county considers its next steps, the community remains watchful, eager to see a memorial that truly reflects the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and watch for official decisions regarding the future of the Vietnam War memorial in Fountain Valley.