Table of Contents
The Commemoration
The proposed monument is to honor the service members of the Army Republic of Vietnam ( ARVN) and their principal ally, the United States military, for providing crucial advice and air support at the Second Battle of Quang Tri during the Easter Offensive that ended with the defeat of North Vietnamese communist forces at the Citadel of Quang Tri, and the recapture of Quang Tri Province on September 16, 1972. The Retaken of the Historic Quang Tri Citadel Commemorative Monument, including other Vietnam war-related monuments erected at the park, serves as a valuable educational tool for local residents, students, tourists, and future generations to come.
The victory of ARVN forces in this historic battle, involving at least three elite North Vietnamese divisions against the South Vietnamese Marine and Airborne divisions, without American combat troops on the ground other than embedded advisors and air support, served to validate President Nixon’s ” Vietnamization” policy that South Vietnam could hold its own against communist forces in a conventional battle if provided with adequate air support and munitions. This battle occurred towards the end of US involvement in the Vietnam War with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on January 27, 1973.
Quang Tri, a city located near the 17th parallel demilitarized zone separating North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, was the provincial capital of Quang Tri Province.
The Second Battle of Quang Tri was fought from June 28 until September 16, 1972. It was one of the first military engagements in which North Vietnam utilized conventional warfare tactics with large artillery, tanks, and troops from several heavily armed divisions.
One of the most iconic and recognizable scenes of the battle was the raising of the Republic of Vietnam national flag over the Quang Tri Citadel after its recapture on September 16, 1972. The ARVN passed this major battlefield test and proved its effectiveness in launching large scale operations when properly supplied. However, the victory came at a cost of 7, 756 ARVN casualties along with the sacrifice of 20 US service members while North Vietnam suffered nearly 18,000 casualties.
The victory symbolizes the heroism, bravery, and sacrifices of the ARVN which was overwhelmingly outnumbered by the Northern Communist army in the decisive battle.
The Monument
The proposed monument consists of two 7′- 7″ main concrete – finished front and rear panels and one 10′- 6″ concrete -finished middle panel. The front elevation of the monument consists of black granite panels with color inscription and an image, as attached and situated on top of and, including three concrete foundations of various heights of 6″, 18″ and 11″, respectively. A circled insignia representing a map of Vietnam is located on top of the front granite panel monument with a 4′ x4′ basrelief made of bronze, plaster, or color photo imprint of the historic scene of ARVN soldiers raising the South Vietnamese national flag on top of the ancient Quang Tri Citadel.
The rear elevation of the monument will include a bronze plaque recounting the history and symbolism of the battle, along with a plaque dedicated to the Mayor, City Council members, senior staff, and the responsible architect. Other plaques will include representatives of the sponsoring nonprofit organization, the Quang Tri Victory Foundation, along with major donors who made the planning and construction of the monument possible.
The Engineer’s estimate for the design and construction of the monument will be approximately 125,000. City staff will closely coordinate with the sponsoring organization in obtaining all necessary permits to meet the city’s requirements.
