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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War & were killed or missing in action. The memorial consists of three separate parts: The Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the popular Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The magnitude of the names is unsettling. Sadly there were veterans telling their stories, sharing that they are in shelters or homeless & asking for money. Not far away was a tent city; it was troubling.
Somber experience! Walking by a small monument built to commemorate over 58,000 Americans killed in Vietnam. You still see families with kids coming here show relative's name who died more than half a century ago, half a world away. While existence of this memorial is great, and is well kept, brings always another point...how many more people have to die?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was a somber area! It's located very close to the Lincoln Memorial. It's Free to enjoy and was very crowded. Tony and I were in Washington DC to celebrate his 61st birthday. He said he that he was unable to go on his 6th grade patrol trip, and he always wanted to see the monuments. We walked over 12 miles this Saturday, so he could see the memorials and we still didn't see them all. We walked down the Mall Greenway from the capital to the Lincoln Memorial, now that's a haul !!! All of the public areas were full of tourist and foreign languages being spoken at every turn. I found it exciting, adventurous and even exhilarating!! NOT my Tony, he found it overwhelming, crowded and made him very frustrated. It is so strange how two people experiencing the same day, can be so different in views! Lol! He never wants to go back, and yet I can't wait. The entire day overwhelmed him. He found a park bench near the statue of the Three Soldiers while I looked around. Definitely recommend!!
I have a very personal connection to this memorial. Although I did not lose my dad to this war, he fought in it and came home. Otherwise, I would not be writing this. It is just off the National Mall near Lincoln Memorial. There are approximately 58,000 names on the memorial. There was so much bad publicity surrounding this war, and these heroes weren't given a proper welcome home by today's standards. If you are ever in the DC area, I highly recommend you stop by and pay your respects to our fallen brothers and sisters. I miss you dad!
This is an especially moving monument because of how actively love ones still come there to leave gifts or flowers. A reminder of the ravages of war and how it hurts families and their survivors. The design of this memorial as well tactfully shows the escalation of the conflict and the lives it claimed in a way that helps you to understand the horror of this war. There are registry books at both ends of the monument to help with locating somebodies name by the panel.
RESPECT. HONOR. REMEMBRANCE. Since I was in town and walking around the area, I had to stop by and give my respect at the memorial. I have family who had served in military during the Vietnam War. An Uncle of a dear family I know served and he is remembered here. I thought I would find his name to share with them as I know they haven't had a chance to come here. It was a true honor and a special moment to locate his name. Please remember Calvin David Largo who fought for our freedom and all the soldiers as well.
Like most monuments and memorials in our nation's capital, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one that so many of us have seen in magazines, newspapers, film and TV; yet the true impact of this memorial comes from actually being there. Time and again, as my wife and I walked around the National Mall, we were repeatedly awestruck at the different places-- how much larger the Lincoln Memorial was, how much taller the Washington Monument climbs above the skyline... ... and how solemn The Wall was. While the entire Veterans Memorial here encompasses several different areas, including the Women's Memorial, the Three Servicemen, and the flagpole bearing the insignia of the different branches of the armed forces, actually seeing, touching, and experiencing the more than 58,000 names memorialized on the reflective black stone is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Each name etched here is a lifetime of stories, memories, loved ones. Each represents the heroism and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform who serve the cause of freedom. While we were there, we saw several examples of solemn remembrance: the placing of a wreath, a folded flag placed at the base of the wall near the name of a loved one, and an older fellow wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat holding his grandchild in his arms, showing him a name on the wall. We called my dad, who gave me three names of friends he lost in Vietnam, and whose names we found on the wall. Seeing this memorial in real life brought me to a place of even greater respect for everyone whose lives were forever changed by the Vietnam War.
Mrs Lin I believe her name was, came up with the design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. If not mistaken she was an Ivy League student at the time, and this was planned in the late 1970's. Building was around the early 80's, and I believe most of the funding came from private donations. 58,000 plus Americans died in this war. All gave some, some gave all. This conflict and its conclusion, along with events like the Gulf of Tonkin are controversial. Yet walking this today, I'd like to send my respects to our folks, our Vietnamese allies, and all families. While sad that this war rook place, I'm pleased that the US and Vietnam are finding areas of agreement and reconciliation. That alone is a positive thing. "Letters from American soldiers " of this era, there's no shame to admit my tears for our brave folks who fought valiantly. I know quite a few amazing patriots who served there. These people I'm grateful for, as many from this conflict are leaders and volunteers in our communities. This wall despite its simplicity resonates. Seeing all the names etched in black is powerful. You can't not be moved. Seeing pictures and love letters for those lost, one can't help but understand there's a lot of pain caused by this conflict. To those who served or to all of the families thank you. This is a must visit place to pay respects when in DC.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located north of The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and a short walk to the Lincoln Memorial. It's complemented by the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the Three Soldiers memorials close by. I overheard someone saying that the memorial is slightly curved because it symbolizes a wound trying to heal. After just looking it up, that is exactly the intention of the designer Maya Lin. An interesting thing I read is that she won the competition to design the Vietnam Veterans memorial out of 1,422 submissions. The memorial contains 70 stones worth of names of service members who died or remain missing as a result of their service during the war. You start from one end and just look at the names and as you continue walking you continue seeing names in small font. In total there are 58,000 names on the wall. I can't even fathom that. Some people have letters and flowers placed by their loved ones. The coolest thing when we were there was that there was a man in an electric wheelchair wearing a Vietnam War Veteran hat. He was with other people and telling them about a name on the wall and telling stories about him. Just powerful.
Standing along the quiet path of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall, I couldn't help but think about time itself. The first time I visited the Mall, this memorial wasn't even here yet. Years later, when I returned with my kids, there it was polished black stone catching the light, reflecting the sky, the trees, and the faces of the people standing before it. It doesn't shine because war is beautiful there's nothing beautiful about lives lost but it shines because remembrance matters. What makes the memorial so powerful is its simplicity. Designed by Maya Lin, the wall carries more than 58,000 names of Americans who gave their lives or never came home from the Vietnam War. When you walk along it, the names seem endless. You see people tracing letters with their fingers, leaving flowers, sometimes just standing quietly. It reminds you that behind every name was a family, a hometown, a story that ended far too soon. I appreciate that this memorial stands right here in the heart of the nation's capital, near places like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument places millions of people visit every year. It ensures that those who served are never forgotten, that their sacrifice is part of the living history of this country. To the men and women who served, and especially to those whose names are etched into that shining wall: thank you. Your duty, your courage, and your sacrifice are remembered here by strangers, families, and generations yet to come. This memorial stands not only as a place of reflection, but as a quiet promise that your service and the cost of freedom will never be overlooked. read more
Nice memorial with writings of names on a wall aligned with a hillside on one end, and there is the famed three servicemen/soldiers statue. Also within walking distance of the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veteran Memorial. Recommended and check it out if you are in DC. read more
We walked the entire length of the Wall and paused occasionally to view tributes left at the base by previous visitors. Very touching memorial every time I see it and never fails to weigh on my heart. We walked further along the nearby paths and viewed the monument dedicated to the nurses. It was interesting to see all of the hair ties and flowers left at the base and the nearby plaque gave an explanation of the tribute. There were significant piles of fallen leaves along the pathways, which was a bit hazardous. This may have been residual fallout from the government shutdown, which had just ended days prior to our visit. read more
This was an amazing and solemn and very simplistic memorial which touched us. It is definitely a 'must visit' when you're in Washington DC. Don't forget to visit the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the other monuments just past the main wall. read more
An iconic tourist spot where we are able to honor the contributions of doors who paid the ultimate sacrifice. These young men sacrificed and were often forgotten. To all those names on the wall we are forever grateful. read more
8 months ago
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War & were killed or missing in action. The memorial consists of three separate parts: The Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the popular Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The magnitude of the names is unsettling. Sadly there were veterans telling their stories, sharing that they are in shelters or homeless & asking for money. Not far away was a tent city; it was troubling. read more
Somber experience! Walking by a small monument built to commemorate over 58,000 Americans killed in Vietnam. You still see families with kids coming here show relative's name who died more than half a century ago, half a world away. While existence of this memorial is great, and is well kept, brings always another point...how many more people have to die? read more
3 years ago
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was a somber area! It's located very close to the Lincoln Memorial. It's Free to enjoy and was very crowded. Tony and I were in Washington DC to celebrate his 61st birthday. He said he that he was unable to go on his 6th grade patrol trip, and he always wanted to see the monuments. We walked over 12 miles this Saturday, so he could see the memorials and we still didn't see them all. We walked down the Mall Greenway from the capital to the Lincoln Memorial, now that's a haul !!! All of the public areas were full of tourist and foreign languages being spoken at every turn. I found it exciting, adventurous and even exhilarating!! NOT my Tony, he found it overwhelming, crowded and made him very frustrated. It is so strange how two people experiencing the same day, can be so different in views! Lol! He never wants to go back, and yet I can't wait. The entire day overwhelmed him. He found a park bench near the statue of the Three Soldiers while I looked around. Definitely recommend!! read more
I have a very personal connection to this memorial. Although I did not lose my dad to this war, he fought in it and came home. Otherwise, I would not be writing this. It is just off the National Mall near Lincoln Memorial. There are approximately 58,000 names on the memorial. There was so much bad publicity surrounding this war, and these heroes weren't given a proper welcome home by today's standards. If you are ever in the DC area, I highly recommend you stop by and pay your respects to our fallen brothers and sisters. I miss you dad! read more
This is an especially moving monument because of how actively love ones still come there to leave gifts or flowers. A reminder of the ravages of war and how it hurts families and their survivors. The design of this memorial as well tactfully shows the escalation of the conflict and the lives it claimed in a way that helps you to understand the horror of this war. There are registry books at both ends of the monument to help with locating somebodies name by the panel. read more
RESPECT. HONOR. REMEMBRANCE. Since I was in town and walking around the area, I had to stop by and give my respect at the memorial. I have family who had served in military during the Vietnam War. An Uncle of a dear family I know served and he is remembered here. I thought I would find his name to share with them as I know they haven't had a chance to come here. It was a true honor and a special moment to locate his name. Please remember Calvin David Largo who fought for our freedom and all the soldiers as well. read more
Like most monuments and memorials in our nation's capital, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one that so many of us have seen in magazines, newspapers, film and TV; yet the true impact of this memorial comes from actually being there. Time and again, as my wife and I walked around the National Mall, we were repeatedly awestruck at the different places-- how much larger the Lincoln Memorial was, how much taller the Washington Monument climbs above the skyline... ... and how solemn The Wall was. While the entire Veterans Memorial here encompasses several different areas, including the Women's Memorial, the Three Servicemen, and the flagpole bearing the insignia of the different branches of the armed forces, actually seeing, touching, and experiencing the more than 58,000 names memorialized on the reflective black stone is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Each name etched here is a lifetime of stories, memories, loved ones. Each represents the heroism and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform who serve the cause of freedom. While we were there, we saw several examples of solemn remembrance: the placing of a wreath, a folded flag placed at the base of the wall near the name of a loved one, and an older fellow wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat holding his grandchild in his arms, showing him a name on the wall. We called my dad, who gave me three names of friends he lost in Vietnam, and whose names we found on the wall. Seeing this memorial in real life brought me to a place of even greater respect for everyone whose lives were forever changed by the Vietnam War. read more
Mrs Lin I believe her name was, came up with the design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. If not mistaken she was an Ivy League student at the time, and this was planned in the late 1970's. Building was around the early 80's, and I believe most of the funding came from private donations. 58,000 plus Americans died in this war. All gave some, some gave all. This conflict and its conclusion, along with events like the Gulf of Tonkin are controversial. Yet walking this today, I'd like to send my respects to our folks, our Vietnamese allies, and all families. While sad that this war rook place, I'm pleased that the US and Vietnam are finding areas of agreement and reconciliation. That alone is a positive thing. "Letters from American soldiers " of this era, there's no shame to admit my tears for our brave folks who fought valiantly. I know quite a few amazing patriots who served there. These people I'm grateful for, as many from this conflict are leaders and volunteers in our communities. This wall despite its simplicity resonates. Seeing all the names etched in black is powerful. You can't not be moved. Seeing pictures and love letters for those lost, one can't help but understand there's a lot of pain caused by this conflict. To those who served or to all of the families thank you. This is a must visit place to pay respects when in DC. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Beautiful memorial to remember those who lost their lives serving our country. Nice walking path and easy to read names read more
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located north of The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and a short walk to the Lincoln Memorial. It's complemented by the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the Three Soldiers memorials close by. I overheard someone saying that the memorial is slightly curved because it symbolizes a wound trying to heal. After just looking it up, that is exactly the intention of the designer Maya Lin. An interesting thing I read is that she won the competition to design the Vietnam Veterans memorial out of 1,422 submissions. The memorial contains 70 stones worth of names of service members who died or remain missing as a result of their service during the war. You start from one end and just look at the names and as you continue walking you continue seeing names in small font. In total there are 58,000 names on the wall. I can't even fathom that. Some people have letters and flowers placed by their loved ones. The coolest thing when we were there was that there was a man in an electric wheelchair wearing a Vietnam War Veteran hat. He was with other people and telling them about a name on the wall and telling stories about him. Just powerful. read more
2 years ago
Seeing the lists of names the have the given ultimate sacrifice is humbling. Please be respectful when visiting this Memorial. read more
It's a good walk around the memorial, you'll see many families honoring their lost loved ones. Most people are usually respectful towards each other here. It's a tribute to the 58,000 men and women that lost their lives during the war. It's open 24 hours of the day. In this area, you'll find 3 pieces, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, the Three Servicemen statue, and the Vietnam Women's memorial. Admission is free. I recommend just taking the train and walking over here. Parking can be very limited. read more
3 years ago
We did this on Thursday night looking for a friends relatives name we found it. It's truly remarkable to see all the names and how many together lives on inspiring totally free. Funny parking on the street. I must your trip. read more
My third time visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (and second time at night), and it's still humbling. The design is incredible, and unique. And for all those who served and survived in Vietnam- Welcome home, ladies and gentlemen, welcome home. read more
I visited this on memorial day and it really put into effect the scale and tragedy this war has brought on the world and the families involved. A truly beautiful memorial with a statue of three survivors and a wall of all the lives lost during the war displayed. Definitely a must visit if you are in DC. read more
I went into the city to walk around the National Mall super early two of the mornings I was there to be able to beat the crowds and the heat which was absolutely great when paying respects to the different memorials. I think it really worked out well as the area had very few people there at sunrise, mostly locals that were taking their morning jog so the memorials were free of other people to take pictures. The Vietnam Memorial wall took me back to be standing there, next to a long list of lost soldiers and though my family is blessed to not have had any family members die during the war, I couldn't help but think of all those who did and the friends my father and uncle lost while serving with them. The granite wall is a great way to show respects to those lost soldiers and their families as it brings you into a somber and quiet place. read more
2 years ago
It was breathtaking to experience this memorial as well as the others. Don't miss the Women's memorial. Thank you to all who served, are serving and who will serve to protect our country. read more
Visceral. Emotional. A somber tribute to the more than 58,000 American military personnel who gave all. The names of all lost souls etched in to Maya Lin's granite wall. A quiet place to pay respect. And, on occasion, hear the personal stories of visiting vets and family members. If you're on the mall, pay a debt of gratitude to true citizens. read more
1 year ago
This impressive memorial is truly thought provoking tribute to all those hero's of the Vietnam War! The names listed one after another seems unending and by paying your respects to those fallen will make their memories live on in all of us. Never forget the sacrifices theses brave soldiers of war gave to all of us living here and now! Touching the names I truly could feel a sense of warmth coming from this granite monument! A cold brisk fall day, yet I could feel it's radiant warmth! I will never forget today's visit to this memorial! read more
Wanting to honor the memory of my cousin with this review. He was a favorite cousin and his loss shocked my childhood. He was in only 5 months when he was shot. His memory is still clear in my mind and in my heart. I appreciate the Vietnam Vererans' Memorial and it's tribute to those men represented by names on the wall. read more
It is very moving to see all of the names of the men and women who died in service to our county during the Vietnam conflict. Great place to reflect and remember the dead and preserve their memory with dignity and respect. My only comment is that veterans asking for money in front of the memorial is disrespectful and they should not use the honor of the dead to ask for donations. Please do that elsewhere. No disrespect to you, but this is not the place. Great part of the mall and a must see! read more
6 years ago
Somber. That's how I and many others feel when they visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. But it's one you do not want to miss, as it says so much of America's history. There are no words to express the gravity of this memorial; it's one you must experience on your own. Located in the main part of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a large space with a memorial wall as the center of its memorial. There, you'll find the names of the thousands of veterans who fought in the Vietnam War. The lists of names reminds you of the sacrifice of these brave individuals. There are also books that people can use, to look up specific names and where to locate them on the wall. Freedom is not free. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial reminds us of so. Especially if visiting D.C. for the first time, I recommend the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as one to visit. It's one of my favorite memorials, commemorating our veterans and those in the armed services for all that they do for others. I always leave this memorial with a heavy heart and am more grateful than I was the day before. read more
One of the many tourist attractions while in DC. It was great to see this historic memorial and how well kept it was. The list of names of heroes and the reflection of the black. There was a guide there in case you needed help to find a name. Overall, great part to check in if you are in the area and checking out other tourist attractions on the National Mall area. read more
It's quite astounding to see the number of names engraved on the walls along their memorial. It feels like it goes on for a long jaunt. It's haunting to see the names, even if none of them are familiar. I can imagine what a pivotal moment it must be for the families left behind to see names they recognize on the wall or for those that survived. It's a wonderful memorial to all of the brave soldiers that fought so valiantly for our country and sad at the same time, to know they perished serving for our country. read more
4 years ago
Truly a one of a kind Memorial and sight in the nation's capital. One that really makes you reflect on the many lives and dedicated men and women came before us. On certain holidays like Memorial Day, Father's Day, Veterans Day, the VVMF (Vietnam veterans memorial fund- nonprofit organization that built the wall and one that still to this day memorializes people who have since passed away due to war related illnesses but do not fit the criteria to have their name on printed on the wall) hosts special events for family and friends of the deceased. If you ever happen to be free during one of these days definitely consider coming to one of these events. It provides such an eye-opening, emotional, and incredible experience for everyone who may not understand first hand or even second hand just how close we are still tied to these veterans who served many years ago and feel far removed. Beautiful space meant to be honored and serve as a great reminder of the price of our freedoms. Thank you Park Service for keeping it so clean and spotless for countless to enjoy, find closure, or learn about Americans past and present. read more
58,000 names are listed on the two 200 ft walls. Think about that.... 58,000 lives lost. For comparison, Yankee stadium has a 52k capacity. With SO many lives sacrificed, it's only fitting to have a memorial to honor these veterans. I even witnessed an older gentlemen who was emotional after a family member said, "Your name could have been on this wall." In addition to the wall, there's also the "Three Soldiers Statue" which pays tribute to the major ethnic groups that served in the Vietnam war: Latino American, European American and African American. Just across the way is the "Vietnam Women's Memorial" dedicated to the women who served in the Vietnam War which is surrounding by 8 trees representing the number of women who died during the Vietnam war. [ Fun Fact ] The wall was designed by 21-year old Yale college student who was selected from over 1400 entries. How amazing is that? Our group happened to visit the day after Father's Day and there was thousands of vibrant roses lined along the wall. Our tour guide didn't mention it but I looked it up later and found out there's an Annual Father's Day Rose Remembrance. The rose colors have a special meaning: - 1,400 red roses represent those Killed in Action (KIA) - 1,200 yellow roses missing in action (MIA) - 400 white/red-tipped roses are "In Memory" honorees - who later died from war-related causes [ Location ] Walking distance from the Lincoln Memorial [ Symbols next to each name ] represent those killed in action (KIA) + represents those missing in action or prisoners of war (MIA/POW) represents those who were initially MIA/POW but was found alive or the body was eventually recovered [ Visiting Hours ] 24 hours a day but IMO you'll appreciate the design more during the day. read more
This is a humbling experience. I have visited here twice (over a long, long span of time) and I am still amazed at the silence that falls over visitors. I feel like this memorial needs to be required visiting for everyone!! read more
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