Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

One of our nation s greatest conflicts was also one of our bloodiest. An estimated 58 thousand American servicemen died during the Vietnam War another 303 thousand wounded (US Gov.). The pain and suffering that these deaths brought about convinced many that a memorial should be erected, dedicated to all those lost in the conflict. The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall, designed by sculptor Maya Lin stands in Washington DC, allowing all who visit the country’s capital to pay homage to the war heroes.
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The wall itself is made of super reflective stone, allowing visitors to see their reflection while looking at the names of the fallen. The reflections bring to life the otherwise inanimate names engraved onto the wall. Seeing yourself in the wall reminds you that the souls remembered in the memorial were just like yourself and the reflection standing just to your side. It also tells you just what these men and women died for, the future of their very country. This may be startling to some but lends some emotional sanctuary in a sea of grief to some. Those hit hardest by the conflict, the veterans themselves, can find the soothing wall cool to the touch, a welcome contrast to the fiery memories of war. With thousands of names engraved on the wall, the veterans can see and remember