The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
How could something so simple have such power? The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of those brilliant pieces of public art that captures the right emotions and serves its purpose of commemorating the American soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.
The big black granite wall of the memorial is etched with the names of the 58,249 soldiers who died or are missing in action. The effect is solemn and powerful. Every day, friends and family of the deceased can be seen making a charcoal rubbing of a name or leaving letters or mementos.
TRAVEL TIP
If possible, try to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the daytime and again at night — the effect is very different. It is open from 8 A.M. until midnight. If you go just before dusk, you can experience both at one time.
