Fountain Valley, California, November 18, 2025
The Vietnam War Memorial project in Fountain Valley, intended to honor veterans, faces demolition amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Funded with $1 million, the memorial has not been completed due to serious fraud accusations involving the Viet America Society. Orange County officials are seeking to rectify this situation by proposing a new memorial that reflects the sacrifices of local veterans, while also pursuing legal actions against those responsible for the mismanagement.
Fountain Valley, California – November 17, 2025
Plans to Demolish Disgraced Vietnam War Memorial in Fountain Valley
The ongoing situation involving the Vietnam War Memorial in Fountain Valley has raised significant concerns among community leaders and taxpayers. Initially launched in September 2023 with aspirations to honor Vietnam War veterans, the project has been beset by allegations of corruption and poor management, leading to the county’s decision to demolish the unfinished structure. This reflects broader implications for overseeing public projects in California, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity to protect taxpayers’ interests and ensure they receive value from their contributions.
Memorial Construction and Corruption Allegations
The memorial project was initially funded with $1 million from taxpayers, allocated by former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. The contract was awarded to the Viet America Society (VAS), a nonprofit co-founded by Do’s daughter. Unfortunately, this initiative has since been tainted by serious charges of fraud and mismanagement. Andrew Do is currently serving a five-year sentence for his involvement in accepting bribes and misdirecting funds to VAS. Furthermore, Peter Pham, the organization’s founder, faces multiple indictments, including allegations of wire fraud and money laundering, and he is currently a fugitive.
Current State of the Memorial
As it stands, the Vietnam War Memorial remains incomplete and deteriorating, with visible cracks on its granite slabs and lacking essential features to accommodate veterans, many of whom are senior citizens. This ongoing neglect has drawn criticism from local officials, highlighting the urgency of addressing the situation and honoring those it was originally intended to commemorate.
Financial Implications and Legal Actions
Current estimates for remedying the existing structure range from $168,000 to $420,000, with an additional financial burden estimated at up to $1 million to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In light of the considerable costs associated with retrofitting the current site, county officials have proposed demolishing the existing memorial and initiating plans for a new construction that genuinely respects the contributions of Vietnam War veterans. The county is actively seeking funding options through private donors and potential collaborations with the city of Fountain Valley.
Background Context
The intention behind the Vietnam War Memorial project was to honor the sacrifices made by Vietnam War veterans, particularly focusing on those from Orange County and their allies. Given that this region hosts the largest Vietnamese enclave in the U.S., the project carried profound significance for many local families and communities. However, the shadow of alleged corruption has impeded its completion, emphasizing the critical role of diligence and ethical standards in public works.
Next Steps
Orange County officials are committed to rectifying these issues through the proposed demolition of the current structure and the construction of a new memorial. Plans for the new site are already being discussed, with funding efforts underway to ensure that this future memorial accurately reflects and honors the sacrifices of local veterans. Legal actions are also being pursued to recover misappropriated funds and hold responsible parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of the Vietnam War Memorial in Fountain Valley’s Mile Square Park?
The memorial remains unfinished and in disrepair, with visible cracks on the granite slabs and lacking accessibility features for veterans. Orange County officials have announced plans to demolish the current structure and build a new one.
Why is the memorial being demolished?
The demolition is due to corruption and substandard construction associated with the project. Allegations include fraud and mismanagement involving the Viet America Society, the nonprofit organization awarded the contract.
Who is responsible for the issues with the memorial?
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, who allocated the funds to the Viet America Society, is currently serving a five-year federal prison sentence for accepting bribes and directing funds to the organization. Additionally, VAS founder Peter Pham has been indicted on multiple charges, including wire fraud and money laundering.
What are the financial implications of repairing the current memorial?
Repairing the existing memorial could cost between $168,000 and $420,000, with additional expenses for engraving names on the granite slabs. Making the site compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act could require up to $1 million for pathways, restrooms, and other amenities. Given these costs, officials have advocated for demolishing the current structure and building a new memorial.
What are the next steps for the memorial project?
Orange County officials are committed to demolishing the current memorial and constructing a new one that truly honors the veterans. Plans are underway to identify suitable locations and secure funding for the new memorial. The county is also pursuing legal action to recover the misused taxpayer funds and hold those responsible accountable.
Key Features of the Vietnam War Memorial Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Fountain Valley’s Mile Square Park, Orange County, California |
| Initial Funding | $1 million allocated by former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do |
| Contract Awarded To | Viet America Society (VAS), a nonprofit co-founded by Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do |
| Current Status | Unfinished and in disrepair, with visible cracks and lacking accessibility features |
| Corruption Allegations | Fraud and mismanagement involving VAS; Do serving a five-year federal prison sentence for accepting bribes; Pham indicted on multiple charges, including wire fraud and money laundering |
| Financial Implications | Repair costs estimated between $168,000 and $420,000; additional expenses for engraving and ADA compliance; demolition and reconstruction considered more cost-effective |
| Next Steps | Demolition of current structure; construction of new memorial; legal action to recover misused funds and hold responsible parties accountable |
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