Photographer: Matt Hensley
•6/17/2026
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (WINK) — A new memorial honoring Vietnam veterans is taking shape at Marco Island Veterans’ Community Park.
The idea began after American Legion Post 404 hosted the traveling Vietnam Wall in 2020. The exhibit left early when the COVID-19 pandemic began, leaving the post with unused funds.
Former post commander Lee Rubenstein said members decided to put that money toward a permanent tribute to Vietnam veterans.
The project grew significantly after Vietnam veteran Rene Champagne saw an advertisement seeking donations and offered to fund the entire memorial.
“What started off as a scribbled note on a napkin turned into spectacular,” Rubenstein said.
Champagne hopes the memorial will provide comfort and healing to veterans and families who lost loved ones during the war.
The memorial is expected to open to the public by July 4, in time for America’s 250th anniversary. A formal dedication ceremony is planned for Veterans Day on November 11.
