Often referred to as the wall that heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial beckons visitors of all ages, races and nationalities. It was created to honor and remember the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and to help our country heal after the controversial, emotional conflict ended. The enormous black wall lists 58,209 names of those who are missing or were killed during the war.
Everyday, people from all walks of life come to search the wall for the name of a loved one, friend, fellow soldier or simply to take a moment to think and reflect. It’s not uncommon for folks to leave flowers, gifts, medals, notes, cards and other items next to the wall and many of these items are brought to the Museum of American History. Also part of the memorial is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial that honors the women—both enlisted and civilian, who gave their service to our country during that time. A sculpture of three-young soldiers also sits nearby—an ever-present reminder of the young people who went to Vietnam to fulfill their patriotic duty.