Vietnam Veterans Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
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Visitors at the wall in January 2005
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 Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Location in the United States
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| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Established | November 13, 1982 |
| Visitors | 3,799,968 (in 2006) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
| Architect | Maya Lin |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000285 |
| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1982 |
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a special place in Washington, D.C. It is also known as the Wall. This memorial was built to honor the brave men and women who died during the Vietnam War.
The memorial is a long wall made of black granite. On its shiny surface, you can see the names of every American who was killed or went missing in the war. A young student named Maya Lin designed this important memorial in 1981. It opened to the public on November 13, 1982.
Contents
What Is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national monument. It helps people remember the soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. The war took place from the 1950s to the 1970s. Many American soldiers lost their lives.
The Design of the Wall
The memorial's design is very unique. It is made of two long walls that meet in a "V" shape. The walls are built into a gentle hill. This makes them seem like they are part of the earth.
Why Black Granite Was Chosen
The walls are made from black granite. This stone is very smooth and reflective. When you stand in front of it, you can see your own reflection. You can also see the trees and sky around you. This design helps visitors feel connected to the memorial and its purpose.
The Names on the Wall
More than 58,000 names are carved into the granite. Each name belongs to a soldier who died or went missing in action. The names are listed in the order that the soldiers died. This creates a timeline of the war. People often touch the names of their loved ones. They might even make a rubbing of a name to take home.
Who Designed the Memorial?
The memorial was designed by Maya Lin. She was a 21-year-old architecture student at Yale University when she won a national competition. Her design was chosen from over 1,400 entries.
Maya Lin's Vision
Maya Lin wanted her design to be a quiet place for reflection. She did not want it to be a traditional statue. Instead, she imagined a place where people could think about the lives lost. She wanted the memorial to be a "cut in the earth."
Building the Memorial
Even though Maya Lin was young, her design was powerful. It was built in Washington, D.C., near other famous monuments. The National Park Service takes care of the memorial today. Millions of people visit it every year.
Other Parts of the Memorial
While the Wall is the main part, there are other important features nearby. These additions help tell more of the story.
The Three Soldiers Statue
Near the Wall, there is a bronze statue called The Three Soldiers. It shows three soldiers standing together. One is African American, one is Hispanic, and one is white. This statue was added later. It helps show the diversity of the soldiers who served.
The Vietnam Women's Memorial
Another important part is the Vietnam Women's Memorial. This statue honors the women who served in the war. Many women were nurses or worked in other support roles. This memorial recognizes their important contributions.
Visiting the Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful place to visit. People often leave flowers, letters, or other items at the base of the Wall. These items are collected and kept by the National Park Service. They show how much the soldiers are still remembered.
The memorial helps us remember the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It is a place for healing and reflection for many families and veterans.
Images for kids
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The Three Soldiers by Frederick Hart
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The Main Navy and Munitions Building site, with the Munitions buildings behind the Navy building
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall with Christmas ornaments
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Various items left at "The Wall".
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"The Wall That Heals" at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2016
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An aerial photograph of "The Wall" taken on April 26, 2002, by the United States Geological Survey. The dots visible along the length of the angled wall are visitors. For a satellite view of the Wall in relation to other monuments, see Constitution Gardens.
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One panel of The Wall, displaying some of the names of fallen U.S. service members from the Vietnam War.
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A U.S. Marine at Vietnam Memorial on July 4, 2002
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The Moving Wall at Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a los Veteranos de Vietnam para niños
