Remembering Veterans

“Philadelphia City Council in 1970 chose Veterans Stadium as the name for the city’s new sports facility. Veterans Stadium opened April 10, 1971, was closed September 28, 2003 and imploded March 21, 2004. To commemorate the site of Veterans Stadium, the Phillies dedicate this monument as an everlasting memorial to veterans who have defended America’s freedom since its inception in Philadelphia, July 4, 1776.”

That message is displayed on the Veterans Memorial the Phillies built near the former site of Veterans Stadium. When it was decided the Vet would be replaced, the Phillies made a commitment to City Council and veteran’s organizations to build a monument commemorating the dedication and sacrifice of veterans, including prisoners of war or missing in action.

The memorial includes bronze plaques representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and POW/MIA. Surrounding the memorial are seven poles that display the American, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and POW/MIA flags. The flags fly year-round.

The granite-covered memorial is prominently located on Pattison Avenue and visible daily to people attending all events at the Sports Complex, not just Phillies games.

The Phillies, city officials, veterans and active military personnel participated in the dedication on June 6, 2005.