Little Falls, NY – On a cloudy Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, at 10 a.m., the community of Little Falls gathered at Wards Square Park to dedicate the Agent Orange Commemorative Monument, a solemn tribute to Vietnam veterans and their families affected by the toxic herbicide used during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony, held on Flag Day, was marked by heartfelt speeches, gratitude, and a shared commitment to honor the sacrifices of those impacted by Agent Orange. Despite overcast skies, the rain held off, allowing the event to proceed with reverence and unity.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation from Reverend Whritenour, who shared a personal connection to the cause, noting that his relatives had also been affected by Agent Orange.

The event featured speeches from Assemblyman Robert Smullen, Mayor Deborah Kaufman, and Vietnam combat veteran John Frazier, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing the monument to fruition.

Reverend Whritenour closed the ceremony with a benediction, leaving attendees with a sense of reflection and hope.

A Lasting Tribute to Resilience

The Agent Orange Commemorative Monument, a striking stone now permanently placed in Wards Square Park, stands as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide sprayed extensively during the Vietnam War to defoliate dense jungles, was intended to expose enemy positions.

However, its devastating health consequences have affected countless veterans and their families, with long-term effects including cancers, neurological disorders, and birth defects in subsequent generations.

“Agent Orange was a chemical that they sprayed in Vietnam as a defoliant to be able to make it better for people to be able to see where the enemy was,” Assemblyman Robert Smullen explained during his remarks.

“What seemed like a good idea actually turned out to be a very bad idea. Almost five times as many people died of the complications of Agent Orange as were actually killed during the war.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 2.7 million American service members were exposed to Agent Orange between 1962 and 1975. The herbicide contained dioxin, a highly toxic compound linked to serious health conditions, including leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and type 2 diabetes.

The impact extended beyond veterans, with children of exposed individuals facing higher risks of congenital disorders, such as spina bifida.

Smullen emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “One of the things that we need to make sure is that our government, the federal and state government, make sure that we take responsibility for it and are accountable for exposing all of our troops and now their families.”

A Community Effort Led by John Frazier

The monument’s creation was a community-driven effort, spearheaded by John Frazier, a Vietnam combat veteran and tireless advocate for Agent Orange awareness.

Frazier’s dedication was evident in his speech, where he expressed gratitude to the city, donors, and collaborators who made the project possible without costing the city “one single penny.”

“So nice to see this turnout. Thank you to everyone of you for being here this morning,” Frazier said, addressing the crowd. “Everything we have done has been through donations. To the donors, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”

Frazier’s advocacy began years ago when he compiled a database of Little Falls Vietnam veterans for the Little Falls Historical Society, uncovering 143 local individuals who served.

During this process, he learned of the widespread impact of Agent Orange on veterans and their families.

“Halfway through compiling that database, I heard a lot of people commenting about how Agent Orange either impacted them or their loved ones who are no longer with us,” he shared. “So, I got the idea. There’s something that needs to be said and done here.”

Frazier praised Mayor Kaufman’s support, noting her enthusiasm and the unanimous approval from the Board of Public Works. “When I brought [the idea] back to Deborah, she was more than enthusiastic,” he said.

The project, conceptualized in January, was completed in just a few months, a testament to the community’s commitment.

A Mayor’s Gratitude and Vision

Mayor Deborah Kaufman delivered a poignant speech, highlighting the monument’s significance as a place of reflection and healing. “Today, on Flag Day, we gather under the enduring symbol of our nation’s flag to dedicate a powerful tribute: the Agent Orange Commemorative Monument,” she said.

“This impressive stone honors the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our Vietnam veterans and their families, who have faced the profound and lasting impact of Agent Orange.”

Kaufman expressed deep gratitude to Frazier, stating, “John, your unwavering dedication and leadership in bringing this memorial to life embody the strength and commitment we honor today. On behalf of the City of Little Falls, I extend our deepest gratitude for your efforts in preserving the memory of those affected by Agent Orange.”

She also acknowledged Ray Lenarcic for his support in raising awareness and thanked all contributors whose “time, resources, and dedication have crafted a lasting symbol of remembrance.”

The mayor emphasized the monument’s role in inspiring ongoing support for veterans. “As we dedicate this monument on Flag Day, we reflect on the values our flag represents: unity, liberty, and the sacrifices of those who have served,” she said. “It is our hope that this sacred space will serve as a place of reflection, healing, and gratitude for generations to come.”

A Call to Remember and Honor

The Agent Orange Commemorative Monument joins a growing number of memorials across the United States dedicated to recognizing the herbicide’s impact.

The Veterans Health Administration has expanded benefits for affected veterans, covering conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure, but advocates like Frazier continue to push for greater awareness and support.

Frazier underscored the monument’s purpose, saying, “We are not here to blame anybody. We’re not here to point fingers at anybody. We’re here to honor those veterans.”

He hopes the monument will gain national recognition, planning to submit details to the VFW magazine to highlight Little Falls’ efforts.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of unity and purpose, as attendees reflected on the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families. The Little Falls Historical Society’s exhibit on Vietnam veterans, located at the museum on South Ann Street, remains open for those wishing to learn more about the city’s contributions to the war effort.

As the Agent Orange Commemorative Monument takes its place in Wards Square Park, it stands as a enduring reminder of the cost of war, the strength of community, and the importance of honoring those who have borne its consequences.

In the words of Mayor Kaufman, “May the courage of our veterans, the spirit of Little Falls, and the hope of our nation forever shine through this enduring tribute.”