On the morning of May 20, 2025, a vehicle unexpectedly crashed into the Midland Beach Veterans Memorial, causing significant damage and leaving blocks from the site scattered. The driver, who promptly fled the scene, left no clues but the abandoned vehicle. The revered monument, located at the intersection of Midland Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard bore the brunt of the attack, yet miraculously managed to survive without fundamental damage.
The New York City Parks Department, which oversees the monument pledged a prompt response to repair the site. With a spokesperson promising that they would act swiftly to rectify the damages that had been caused. Although the memorial suffered a direct hit early Tuesday morning, thankfully, the impact of the damage was largely restricted to the surrounding stones, which were visibly fractured and spread out across the site.
The vehicle involved in the incident was a 2014 RAM model, left behind at the site by the driver who hastily left the scene. The apparent hit and run is under investigation by local law enforcement, who arrived at the scene of the accident on Tuesday morning. As the investigation continues, the focus for city officials turns toward repair and restoration efforts.
Borough President Vito Fossella visited the damaged site on Friday to assess the extent of the detrimental circumstances it had endured. Fossella established contact with leaders from the Midland Beach Civic Association on the same day, to collectively assess the damage and plan future repair forecasts.
Addressing the media with a prepared statement, Fossella conveyed his observations that although the surrounding grounds had suffered extensively, the removal thankfully appears to be intact. His relief, however, was tempered with a call to action. He strongly advocated that the monument should not languish in disrepair, and requires immediate attention to ensure the site’s security.
Fossella proposed a practical recourse, encouraging the responsible city agencies to assess the potential for repair. Insinuations were also made as to whether the driver responsible could be held accountable, at least in part, financially. He went on to emphasize that Staten Island’s residents retain a fervent respect for their veterans, and are fully committed to restoring and maintaining the dignity of this important military memorial.
The Midland Beach Veterans Memorial originally began as a 14-foot wooden monument, erected in 1942. Initially established to honor 117 brave Midland Beach residents serving in the Second World War, it stood as a symbol of their courage and selflessness. However, the original memorial faced the wrath of nature too when it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1944.
The community was quick to replace the original wooden memorial with a new one, adding the names of an additional 210 soldiers who joined the fight while the World War II continued. This symbolic homage progressed on from the original monument, ensuring the sacrifice and bravery of the individuals was never forgotten.
Despite the resurrection, in 1955, city operations necessitated the removal of the new memorial due to a road widening project. Owing to this, the cherished site was left vacant for some years. The memorial that stands today, however, was installed in 1992, ultimately embedding a permanent essence of respect and acknowledgment for the veterans from the Midland Beach community.
The recent hit and run event has once again cast a dark shadow over the grounds of Midland Beach Veterans Memorial. The borough President’s adamant plans to repair, coupled with the Parks Department’s commitment to doing the same, not only looks to restore the memorial but also aims to lift the spirits of communities connected to it.
As the investigation into this unsavory incident continues, the community clings on to hope and resilience. Midland Beach has a storied history of resilience in the face of adversity, and the current situation seems to be bringing that character trait to the forefront yet again.
Even the most disturbing incidents often serve to remind us of the strength inherent in our shared histories and respect for the sacrifices others have made. This circumstance, in which a symbol of such sacrifices was attacked, has not diminished but rather re-ignited the resolve of the Midland Beach community, who remain firm in their commitment to remember and honor their local heroes.
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