Lt. Lia Playground

Wall St. bet. St Marks Pl. and Belmont Pl.

Staten Island

Directions via Google Maps

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

This terraced park, with its dramatic views of the harbor and Manhattan, serves as a fitting tribute to local war hero Lieutenant Nicholas Lia (1944–1968), a Staten Island resident who was killed while serving in Vietnam. Lia, a graduate of Curtis High School and Wagner College, grew up in St. George near the park. A football player, Lia led the Wagner football team to an undefeated season. After graduating with distinction from Wagner, Lia enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps officers training program. As lieutenant, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a tank commander, earning a Purple Heart and Gold Star. Lia was killed while placing a landmine in February 1968.

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