The purpose of the vietnam veterans memorials

Notes American Memorials Simply stated, Americans love their memorials. The National Mall in Washington, D. What do we know about public memorials in terms of what they tell us about the nation and its people? To answer this question, first it is necessary to attempt to understand the purpose and meaning of public memorials in America.

We talk about the places they protect and the stories they preserve so that we never forget, never take for granted the struggles it took to forge this nation of ours.

Of the many narratives that have shaped our collective heritage, that of our armed forces stands apart.

Our military history is made up of tales of extraordinary heroism, determination, and sacrifice. Located on the northwest corner of National Mall and Memorial Parksthe Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an exceptional national park site where you can pay tribute to the men and women who served and who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

Having welcomed over 5. Their grit and sacrifice continue to inspire us to give thanks for their service and to never take for granted the cost of our freedom. The next time you have the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, let these fascinating facts help guide you through the powerful stories and symbolism enshrined within this national park.

The Memorial Wall Wikimedia Commons The design for the memorial was determined through a nationwide competition. The Memorial Wall was dedicated on Veterans Day of One end of the memorial wall points toward the Washington Monument, while the other points to the Lincoln Memorial.

The names are listed in chronological order by date of their casualty and begin and end at the origin point, or center, of the memorial where the two walls meet.

Having the names begin and end at the center is meant to form a circle — a completion to the war. By including the names of all those who were killed or missing in action, the memorial conveys just how overwhelming the casualties were during this war. Visitors can see a reflection of themselves in the names on the black granite walls, connecting the living to those lost.

It honors those who fought and returned from the war by showing them standing, keeping watch over the wall.

Artist Frederick Hart used patina to give the bronze statue some color variations. The servicemen depicted in the sculpture stand seven feet tall upon a base that is one foot tall. Former Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans led the efforts to recognize the bravery of the nearly 11, women who volunteered.

Evans was the first woman in U. It is located at the northeast corner of the memorial plaza surrounding The Three Servicemen statue. It is meant to recognize the soldiers whose life was cut short as a result of their service in the war, but whose names were not eligible for inscription on the Memorial Wall.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of many sites in the National Park System that preserve and honor the contributions of our military women and men. Visit the battlefields, military parks, historic sites, and memorials that stand as reminders of their sacrifice, learn about their struggles and experiences defending our values, and give thanks for their valor.The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund, Inc.

is the nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in to fund and build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The organization sought a tangible symbol of recognition from the American people for those who served in the war. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial statue was unveiled on Veterans Day of Former Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans led the efforts to recognize the bravery of the nearly 11, women who volunteered.

Evans was the first woman in U.S. history to lead an initiative to create a . The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located in Washington, DC.

Themain part of the memorial, which was completed in , is inConstitution Gardens adjacent to the National Mall, just northeastof the Lincoln Memorial. The monument is maintained by the NationalParks Service. To many veterans of the Vietnam conflict, the language of the memorial seems but one more manifestation of the fact that they are an uncomfortable reminder .

Encouraged by her professor, the architecture student entered it in the national design competition being held for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

To many veterans of the Vietnam conflict, the language of the memorial seems but one more manifestation of the fact that they are an uncomfortable reminder for many Americans of a conflict which they would like to forget C. L. Kammeier, Executive Director of the Marine Corps League, wrote to the VVMF there appears to be a general consensus that nothing in the design represents the purpose of .