The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Legacy of Healing and Hope
Vietnam Women's Memorial
— National Mall & Memorial Parks, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008
1. A Legacy of Healing and Hope Marker
Over 265,000 American women served during the Vietnam era (1956 through 1975) and over 11,000 saw duty in Vietnam. The majority served as nurses, caring for thousands of wounded servicemen in the difficult conditions of crowded transports, harsh weather, difficult terrain, and long hours. Between 1964 and 1973, dedicated nurses tended to over 100,000 wounded, saving nearly 98 percent of those who eventually reached hospitals.
The Memorial
Inspired to tell the story of all Vietnam-era women, former Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans worked with thousands of veterans to create the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Dedicated on November 11, 1993, Glenna Goodacre's sculptural grouping joins the national "circle of healing" that begins at the Three Servicemen Statue, and continues past the Wall and the Women's Memorial to the In Memory plaque.
This first memorial in the nation's capital to honor the military service of women completes the public tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. The names of seven Army nurses and one Air Force nurse appear on the Wall. The eight trees surrounding this memorial mark their sacrifice.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Vietnam
this page online
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 53.441′ N, 77° 2.824′ W. Marker was in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in The National Mall. Marker was on Henry Bacon Drive Northwest south of Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Washington DC 20245, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named A Legacy of Healing and Hope (here, next to this marker); Vietnam Women's Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); National Academy of Sciences (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named National Academy of Sciences (about 700 feet away); The Celestial Map (about 700 feet away); Albert Einstein - The Einstein Memorial (about 800 feet away); Not Forgotten (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
More about this marker. On the lower left is a photograph of an awards ceremony captioned: During the Vietnam War, many military women received meritorious service
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, September 13, 2016
2. A Legacy of Healing and Hope Marker
In the lower center and right are photographs of service women on duty. Over one thousand women were employed as photojournalists, clerks, typists, intelligence officers, translators, flight controllers, and band leaders. Despite the lack of national recognition, these women demonstrated courage, commitment, and sacrifice.
Civilian military women supported American efforts by tending to the sick, wounded, and orphaned. Following long hours of assigned duties, many women volunteered their free time to MedCAP (Medical Civil Assistance Program) activities.
Regarding A Legacy of Healing and Hope. The eight service women who died in the Vietnam War are Mary Therese Klinker, Eleanor Grace Alexander, Hedwig Diane Orlowski, Carol Ann Elizabeth Drazba, Elizabeth Ann Jones, Pamela Dorothy Donovan, Annie Ruth Graham, and Sharon Ann Lane. Klinker was the Air Force nurse of the eight.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Also see . . .
1. American Military and Civilian Women Who Died in Vietnam. From the Virtual Wall. Details regarding the eight military women and
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008
3. Vietnam Woman's Memorial
2. The Sculptor's Explanation of the Figures. A copy of Glenna Goodacre's explanation of the sculpture given at the time of dedication. (Submitted on May 23, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008
4. Vietnam Woman's Memorial
In the sculpture, as one women aids a wounded soldier, the other looks skyward as if anticipating an helicopter "dust-off" medevac. Some have interpreted this as a metaphor - searching for the support of a higher power or from the nation to aid in the healing.
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008
5. Vietnam Woman's Memorial
The kneeling women displays emotions of despair and helplessness. The figure has been called the "heart and soul" of the memorial.
Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 26, 2008
6. A Legacy of Healing and Hope Memorial Day 2008
Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 26, 2008
7. A Legacy of Healing and Hope Memorial Day 2008
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,108 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 23, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 13, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 23, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland.
