Honoring the Veterans of Vietnam
by chelledun - Written: Oct 06 '06 (Updated Oct 06 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A meaningful spot for remembrance and thanks, accessible 24 hours a day
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: There's not much else to say about this fine tribute.
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| chelledun's Full Review: Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
By the time I was born in 1982, the Vietnam War was but a memory, albeit not a distant one. Through my study of history and general media exposure I have come to learn about the passion this event inspired and the profound effect it has had on many people. My husband’s father is a Vietnam veteran, although he rarely speaks of his service. For this reason and out of general respect for the men and women of the armed forces, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was at the top of my list of sites to see in Washington, D.C.
General Information
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in November of 1982 and has since become one of D.C.’s most visited sites. It is located in Constitution Gardens. This area is a reasonably short walk from the Mall. I suggest doing what we did and using one of the hop-on, hop-off trolley systems to see the area. All bus and trolley tours are guaranteed to stop at this very important historic site. The Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial are very nearby, making it convenient to tour all three monuments at the same time.
The memorial is open to the public twenty-four hours a day. If you would prefer to visit while a ranger is on duty, however, you must arrive between 9:30 and 11:30 p.m.
The Monument
The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial technically has three parts, although the “wall” gets the most attention by far. Be sure to take a moment to see all three while you are in the area.
The Wall - This portion of the memorial has become one of D.C.’s most recognizable sites. Two dark grey granite walls meet at a 120 degree angle and extend in either direction. The walls are dug into the ground and graduated in height, so their tops are pretty much at ground level. The resulting effect is very aesthetically interesting. I learned when I researched the monument that the walls each are 246 feet long, and one points toward the Washington Memorial while the other points toward the Lincoln Memorial.
The most important feature of the monument does not become apparent until one gets close. From top to bottom, the wall is completely covered with engraved names. These are the names of the 58,249 individuals who served in Vietnam and were either missing or deceased at the time of the walls erection. A diamond next to a name signifies that the person was killed, a plus next to a name signifies that the person was missing. The shiny surface of the memorial causes the names to appear differently from different angles and one's reflection can be seen in the wall in some light. It has become traditional for family members and loved ones to make pilgrimages to the wall and find their loved one’s name. Many leave behind flowers, medals, cards, and other items. The area around the wall was very quiet and respectful when I visited, despite the number of people present.
Along the path that leads to the Wall is a book of laminated pages where visitors can look up the exact spot of their loved one’s name.
The Three Servicemen Statue - This statue was constructed in response to early critiques of the Wall. It is intended to provide a more “traditional” monument to the Vietnam Veterans alongside the wall. Three bronze soldiers of three different races stand in a pose of camaraderie. The soldiers are a little bit away from the wall and seem to be looking on at the somber procession of visitors. Ironically, this portion of the memorial is quite a bit visited than the much maligned Wall, making it a good place to find a solitary moment of reflection.
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial - This addition to the memorial was dedicated in 1993, and honors the women who served in various capacities in the war. The statue shows three nurses tending to a wounded soldier. One woman is looking to the sky, for help from either God or reinforcement troops.
My Thoughts
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a must-see for every visitor to Washington, D.C. It is particularly significant for those who have friends or family among the names on the wall, but it offers something for every visitor, including those who, like me, where not even born by the time the conflict ended. The Wall and surrounding statuary provides a wonderful place to reflect on our nation’s history and say a prayer for the men and women of our armed services and a hearty “thank you.”
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
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