Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is one of the most visited and moving monuments in the United States, honoring those who served in the Vietnam War. It is located at National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial,dedicated in November 13, 1982. It was designed by Maya Lin, a 21-year-old architecture student at Yale, it was controversy at the beginning, but became iconic. It honors members of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War, those who died in service, and those missing in action (MIA). The two black granite walls, each 246 feet 9 inches long, set in a V-shape, engraved with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who died or went missing. The Three Servicemen Statue – A bronze statue by Frederick Hart depicting three soldiers, added in 1984 to complement the Wall. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial – Dedicated in 1993, honoring women (many nurses) who served. The Wall’s shape points toward the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, linking it to the nation’s history. It's an open air Memorial, you can visit any time.

There was a quiet reverence while walking through this area, it was deeply appreciated. I was there to find a name for my friend; her husband passed in Viet Nam. The volunteers were helpful and offered historical documentation about the Wall.

This beautiful and hunting reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the face of evil. This monument is just a small thank you to all of the brave men, and women never came back home. I highly recommend visiting and paying a little respect.

I found this memorial to be really cool on the evening that I went because they were doing an orange light awareness activity with lots of candles. I also really enjoy how you can see your image reflected in this memorial. If you are by the Lincoln memorial feel free to stop by this one as well!

Years ago I watched a movie called In Country about a young girl searching for information about her father, who was killed in the Vietnam War. I recall the movie as being average at best, but in the final scene, they film real people at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. It was so moving and difficult to watch I had tears flowing and could not stop. I could also hear several other people in the audience with the same reaction and when the show ended, I just stayed seated for the longest time and thankfully, my wife quietly sat there with me. Just to be clear, I’m too young to have fought in Vietnam but for some reason, it’s something that has been a part of my life since I was a kid. And so when I finally got to visit this amazing place after all these years, I took plenty of time to take it all in. This is a beautiful monument and it’s definitely worth seeing but at the same time, it was so jarring to see how amazing the monument to the Korean War and WWII were. Maybe take the time and visit all three. Michael Delehanty Compass Real Estate

It's interesting to read that this memorial was designed after a "healing wound." I think the architect did a good job at bringing that vision to reality. After taking in the Lincoln Memorial, we headed back east and came upon the site which is just off the north side of the Pool. The arrow-shaped memorial wall of smooth, dark, reflective gabbro rock starts at ground level then slopes ever so gently into the earth until its midpoint, where it then gradually rises back up to ground level, with a ton of names engraved along the way. A memorial directory is posted nearby to aide in finding names. Look for a small podium near the entrances/exits. Simple, striking, and beautiful.

Beautiful space. So many names. Complete with a book to locate your loved one's name

Very somber memorial to visit. It can get crowded but everyone is very respectful. Definitely visit if you're near the Lincoln Memorial.