Services Tours and Tickets Vietnam Vets Memorial | National Mall - Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
|
|
Vietnam Veterans Memorial West end of the National Mall Southwest Washington, D.C. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom (23rd and I Streets) or Smithsonian
The central focus of the memorial are the two black granite walls that meet at an angle, each composed of 70 separate panels inscribed with the names of the casualties in chronological order.
The design is intended to show the war as a series of individual human sacrifices and giving each person a place in history. Each name has a symbol designating their status. The diamond symbol denotes the serviceman's or servicewoman's death was confirmed. The cross symbol designates missing or prisoner status at the end of the war and remain missing and unaccounted for. Should a serviceman ever return alive, a circle, as a symbol of life, will be inscribed around the cross. The diamond symbol is superimposed over the cross when a service member's remains are returned or otherwise accounted for. Directories at the east and west entrances of the memorial assist visitors in locating a particular name on "The Wall."
To the east of "The Wall" is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which was dedicated in 1993. The bronze statue depicts three women, one of whom is tending to a wounded soldier, and honors the dedication and service of the women Vietnam veterans. The eight trees that surround the statue commemorate each of the women who died in Vietnam.
The memorial is open daily with a Park Ranger on site from 8:00 a.m. until midnight, except December 25. There are no fees to visit the memorial.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Links Places of Interest Nearby |
Overlooking "The Wall" is "The Statue of the Three Servicemen" and a flag pole that flies the American flag 24 hours a day. At the base of the pole are the emblems of the five military services with the inscription: "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 under difficult circumstances."
Email Dave
RSS Feed