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It’s another Veterans Day, and patriotic Brooklynites still can’t visit their borough’s own war memorial.
Veterans and park advocates are fighting to open the Brooklyn War Memorial, a shamefully neglected building in Cadman Plaza Park that has never been accessible to the public — 61 years after being built.
Only a chosen few have been afforded the opportunity to view the sacred wall of bronze plaques holding the etched names of 11,000 Brooklynites who died in World War II.
The general public cannot get inside until the Parks Department restores the deteriorating granite and limestone building, a towering classical monument with 24-foot-high statues of a male warrior and a woman and child.
“The city always says there’s no funds, but it’s a bunch of baloney,” said Jack Vanasco, 85, of Brooklyn, a former Army corporal who fought in the Pacific during the Second World War. “They’re putting millions of dollars into parks, and not one dime is going to the war memorial.”
Vanasco, who fought with his three brothers in the war, lost a dozen childhood friends in the conflict, and all of their names are on the forgotten plaques.
“They must have families, grandchildren and wives who are still alive,” Vanasco said. “They don’t even know that their sons and their uncles are on that wall. Hardly anyone has been here.”
The monument was the brainchild of then-Parks Commissioner and city power broker Robert Moses, who planned to erect a World War II tribute in every borough. Brooklyn’s memorial was the only one ever built.
Since its dedication in 1951, the monument has been rented as meeting hall, dance center and art space, before languishing as a crummy Parks Department storage closet — scattered with blue recycling bins, logs and cardboard boxes.
Today, no one can get inside save for the relatives of World War II vets, who must make appointments.
Brooklyn Parks chief of staff Martin Maher said it could be years before the memorial reopens. He estimates the building needs $20 million for staffing and renovations, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance and air conditioning.
Maher, a Gulf War veteran, is helping Vanasco and the Cadman Park Conservancy turn the jilted landmark into a learning center on all world wars.
They have personally funded an in-progress exhibit of model battleships, weapons and even a Civil War cannon — with some models and replica Army gear coming from Maher’s own collection.
Large panels, which will eventually have items and information on each military branch and world war, were crafted by the Parks Department.
“We have to take baby steps,” Maher said. “The broad idea is to make this a place for public education. We just don’t have anything ready yet.”
“People in the armed services are the best in the world and they’re willing to make the supreme sacrifice,” Maher said. “We can’t let that be forgotten.”
Veterans Day events today
* 8:30 a.m.—Mayor’s veterans breakfast with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano Gracie Mansion, 88 East End Ave.
* 10 a.m.—Veterans Day commemoration Wreath-laying ceremony at Eternal Flame in Madison Square Park, 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue
* 11 a.m.-5 p.m.—94th annual Veterans Day Parade Fifth Avenue, from 26th Street to 56th Street, Manhattan