Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Address:Washington, District of Columbia
Tel: (202) 426-6851

They were shunned, avoided and often unable to find their place in post-war civilian life. The returning soldiers from Vietnam were told by many that they weren't heroes and that their comrades had died in vain. With the years, however, the U.S. public relented and the tribute to the brave soldiers of the Vietnam War can be seen at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The design for the memorial, drafted by architect Maya Lin, was selected in a nationwide design competition.

Many people mistakenly believe that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is the Memorial. In fact the Memorial consists of three parts. In addition to the wall, there is also the Three Soldiers statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial—all three of which comprise the grand Memorial. Standing at 246 feet 9 inches (75 meters) long, The Memorial Wall lists chronologically the names of all the soldiers who served and died or who were unaccounted for in the Vietnam War on its two black granite walls. The choosing of the wall as a way of memorializing the victims was not met with unanimous approval. As an alternative, a design by Fredrick Hart who had placed third in the competition was later added. The Three Soldiers, sometimes called The Three Servicemen, is a bronze statue of three soldiers who are clearly identifiable as White, Black, and Hispanic Americans. The final part of the Memorial is the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Designed by Glenna Goodacre and dedicated in 1993, it pays special tribute to the U.S. women, mostly nurses, who served in the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is open 24 hours a day. Between 9:30 am to 11:30 pm rangers are on duty to answer questions.

Getting to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is easy. The Cabin John Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, I-495, I-395, Rock Creek Parkway, and New York Avenue will all get you to the Washington, D.C. Mall. Note, however, that while there is some handicapped parking available, parking in general is extremely scarce in Washington D.C.. What little is available to visitors may be found along Ohio Drive between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Your best bet, therefore, may be to take any of several Metro train routes from the suburban areas surrounding the city. Whether you fought in Vietnam, knew someone who did, or even agreed with the war at the time doesn't matter. Visiting the Vietnam War Memorial doesn't have to be a political statement. It can be a gesture of respect to the brave men and women who lost their lives fighting for our country.