Relocation and Rebirth
In 1993, Michael Roepel led a citizen's group, known as the All Wars Memorial Committee to relocate the memorial to a more prominent spot. In his endeavours, Mr. Roepel gained the support of the Fairmount Park Commission, the Art Commission, and Mayor Ed Rendell.
Sources: Joseph R. Daughen, “Rededicating Honor to Black Servicemen After 66 Years, Statue Gets Prominent Spot in the City,” Philadelphia Daily News, November 12, 1994, accessed from http://articles.philly.com/1994-11-12/news/25869421_1_memorial-honors-veterans-day-memorial-hall and Sherry Stone, “Black Heroes Home At Last,” Philadelphia Tribune, November 15, 1994, accessed from http://search.proquest.com/docview/337769962?accountid=15099.
The location chosen for the All Wars Memorial was Logan Square, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This highly visible location was supported by all of Philadelphia's major newspapers as well as Philadelphia's political leaders.
Source: Joseph R. Daughen, “Rededicating Honor to Black Servicemen After 66 Years, Statue Gets Prominent Spot in the City,” Philadelphia Daily News, November 12, 1994, accessed from http://articles.philly.com/1994-11-12/news/25869421_1_memorial-honors-veterans-day-memorial-hall.
In addition to moving the All Wars Memorial to a highly visible location, Mr. Roepel and his group secured funding to undertake a restoration of the Memorial after decades of neglect.
On November 11, 1994, the All Wars Memorial was rededicated at Logan Square, where it still stands today.