The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty and country of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States who served in America's longest war. By virtue of its design, the memorial inspires a contemplative experience and puts a human face on a divisive conflict. Veterans, their families, and others find the memorial a place for reflection and healing.
On the granite walls of the Memorial are more than 58,000 names of those listed as missing or killed in action in Vietnam. They are listed chronologically, according to the date of death or loss.
As you approach "the Wall"on the path to your left you will pass the Three Servicemen statue. It reflects the shared experience of Vietnam veterans.
The Vietnam Women's Memorial is located on the path to your right. More than 10,000 American women served in the military in Vietnam.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam.
Location. 38° 53.433′ N, 77° 2.902′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is at the intersection of Henry Bacon Drive Northwest and Lincoln Memorial Circle Northwest, on the right when traveling east on Henry Bacon Drive Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 297 Henry Bacon Drive Northwest, Washington DC 20245, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vietnam Women's Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Legacy of Healing and Hope (about 400 feet away); Lincoln Memorial (about 600 feet away); The Celestial Map (about 700 feet away); National Academy of Sciences (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Regarding Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Maya Lin was 21 years old when she was chosen to design this memorial. It was dedicated in 1982. The sculptor, Frederick Hart, made The Three Soldiers. It was unveiled in 1984, as was the memorial's flagpole. Sculptor Glenna Goodacre of Santa Fe, New Mexico, designed the Vietnam Women's Memorial. It was unveiled in 1993.
Also see . . .
1. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall USA website. Site lists all names on the wall. Has photos; written vignettes, thoughts and comments; search function, etc. (Submitted on March 29, 2006.)
2. The Virtual Wall. Remembrances, poems, photos, letters, and citations honoring those named on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. (Submitted on March 29, 2006.)
3. National Park Service Pages. (Submitted on March 29, 2006.)
4. Directory of other Vietnam Veteran Memorials around the world. Includes photographs. (Submitted on March 29, 2006.)
5. The Moving Wall. Schedule for the half-size replica of The Wall that has been touring the country since 1984. (Submitted on March 29, 2006.)
Additional commentary.
1. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Flagpole
The US Commission of Fine Arts approved the flagpole located near the 3 Servicemen's statue in Constitutional Gardens on the National Mall in Washington D.C. near the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This flagpole has a circular bronze base with bas relief emblems of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps. The flagpole was dedicated on Veteran's day, 1984, two years after the dedication of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Around the base of the Flagpole is the follwing dedication:
"This Flag represents the Service rendered to our Country by the Veterans of the Vietnam War. The Flag affirms the principles of Freedom for which they fought and their Pride in having served in difficult circumstances."
— Submitted November 11, 2008, by Nick Hansen of Lake Ozark, Missouri.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 9,237 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 29, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 7, 8. submitted on April 14, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 9. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 10. submitted on May 23, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 11, 12. submitted on March 29, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 13, 14. submitted on November 11, 2008, by Nick Hansen of Lake Ozark, Missouri. 15. submitted on April 14, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 16, 17, 18. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.