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ATPM 7.01
January 2001

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Vietnam-Memorial

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Reader Comments (79)

Dickie Shortes · October 19, 2001 - 11:57 EST #1
Can you help me to find a picture of a man leaning against the wall and an image of a soldier is comforting him. Thanks for your time.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · October 21, 2001 - 02:01 EST #2
The image you're looking for, and many others, can be viewed at this web site. The specific image I believe you're looking for is here.
Cheryl Weaver · February 28, 2002 - 17:41 EST #3
My children need to know what Maya Ying Lin used when she designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Can you help? They need it ASAP and I can't find that information on the internet. Thanks for your help.

Cheryl Weaver and girls
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · March 2, 2002 - 14:41 EST #4
Cheryl - I searched Encyclopedia.com and found the information below. There's also some good information within the National Park Service official web site.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: war memorial in Washington, D.C., built 1982. Designed by the American sculptor and architect Maya Ying Lin, it is a sloping, V-shaped, 493-ft (150-m) wall of highly polished black granite that descends 10 feet (3.05 meters) below grade level at its vertex. Often called simply "The Wall, it is inscribed with the names of the more than 58,000 Americans killed or missing during the Vietnam War. The austere, abstract nature of Lin's design, which was selected after a nationwide competition, at first made it a controversial way of memorializing the war's casualties. In the years since its construction, however, the simple, evocative, and starkly dramatic wall has become a national shrine, drawing more annual visitors than the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial. Two nearby sculptures also honor those who served in the war; one is of three soldiers by Frederick E. Hart (erected 1984), the other of three nurses and a wounded soldier by Glenna Goodacre (erected 1993).
Jacks · March 18, 2002 - 14:06 EST #5
Every time you see a police officer or fire fighter, remember the people who died to save this country. Without them, we would not be here. Thank you.
Jojo · July 26, 2002 - 09:32 EST #6
I want to learn more about the Vietnam War. I have read articles and my uncle, who was at war, had told me some stuff about it. I honor these men and I would love to know more abou it. I would actually like to see more pictures of the war. Where can I find them? Thank you. :)
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · July 26, 2002 - 16:08 EST #7
Jojo - I found what looks like a great Vietnam War History page. Plenty of links, too. For photos, try Battlefield: Vietnam and Vietnam Death Trip.
Janet · August 11, 2002 - 00:08 EST #8
I am looking for a full shot picture of the wall, any suggestion would be most helpful.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · August 11, 2002 - 00:27 EST #9
I think I probably have about the best full shot you can get without the small hill of land in front of the memorial obstucting your view. Go to my ImageStation albums, click on the Washington, D.C. album, and go to image #40.
Renee Radford · October 12, 2002 - 00:33 EST #10
Do you have a picture of the flag staff near the Vietnam War Memorial? I'm interested in knowing the inscription on the base of the staff. Thank you.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · October 17, 2002 - 22:25 EST #11
Renee - on thewall-usa.com web site, I found this paragraph:
IS THERE A FLAGPOLE?
Yes. On October 13, 1982, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the addition of the flag staff and recommended that it be grouped together with the sculpture to enhance the entrance to the memorial site. The American flag (which is 12' x 18') flies from a 60' pole. The flag flies 24 hrs. 7 days a week in honor of the men and women listed on the wall. The pole cost $18,000 excluding base. VVMF paid for the flagpole from contributions it received from the American Legion. At the base of the staff are the seals of the five military services: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy with the following inscription going around in full circle: THIS FLAG REPRESENTS THE SERVICE RENDERED TO OUR COUNTRY BY THE VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM WAR. THE FLAG AFFIRMS THE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM FOR WHICH THEY FOUGHT AND THEIR PRIDE IN HAVING SERVED UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. On special occasions a POW/MIA flag is flown on the same staff underneath the stars and stripes of the United States flag. Those occasions are Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Betty Scruggs · October 22, 2002 - 14:32 EST #12
Your pictures were so beautiful. I often think of the Vietnam vets. My heart still breaks when I look at the wall. November 11 at D.C., I was going to march, but I'm scared to this year. I sure pray the sniper is caught soon. Regards.

Betty
Prai Thor · November 18, 2002 - 19:18 EST #13
Hi. I'm doing a paper on Maya Ying Lin. What we are supposed to do is find a painting done by this artist, but as I was browsing through, it seems like I can't find a painting she did. All I found was that she started the Vietnam Memorial. Is that one of her paintings?
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · November 18, 2002 - 23:07 EST #14
Prai - according to encyclopedia.com, Lin is an architect and sculptor—not a painter. And, of course, the Vietnam Memorial Wall is not a painting. It is a long stretch of granite in a V-pattern, engraved with the names of the Vietnam Conflict's KIA and MIA.

Go to your library and ask for a documentary film called A Strong Clear Vision if you want to learn more about Lin.
Chuck Skinner · January 26, 2003 - 20:47 EST #15
I am Vietnam vet and I do thank you people from the bottom of my heart for this fine job. Well done. God bless you and the USA.
Yunarso · January 28, 2003 - 01:45 EST #16
The Vietnam war has screwed up the solidarity among the noncommunist comunity. But, after the fall down of the Soviet Union, the biggest communist country, America has behaved much worse than they did. Even the global political conditions have become very dependant to US's desire.
Toolman · January 29, 2003 - 11:09 EST #17
Could someone tell me where I could buy a print of the aforementioned picture of the man leaning on the Vietnam wall and a image staring back at him? Please e-mail me the link. Thanks!
Rebecca Leigh Epperson · April 24, 2003 - 15:02 EST #18
I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm FREE!!
Andrew Parrish · May 7, 2003 - 14:04 EST #19
I am writing a report on the Vietnam Memorial. Can you find more information for me on the topic (how was it built, etc.)?
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · May 8, 2003 - 03:04 EST #20
Andrew - I always encourage people to at least skim through comments that were already left on a page before asking a question. Many times, the question has already been answered.

If you scroll up and look at some earlier messages, you'll find several links in at least two different prior comments that should be of help to you.
Jacquelyn Whyatt · May 22, 2003 - 22:01 EST #21
In remembrance of my husband, Terry Whyatt. He was a Vietnam veteran who died February 2, 2003. His nickname over there was cricket.

Terry, you lived your life remembering the unforgetable pain when you served '68-'70. I hope you are now at rest. God has helped you heal that pain and you have forgiven yourself as the Lord has done.

Your wife, Jackie.
Barbara · May 25, 2003 - 12:10 EST #22
I teach 4th grade in the south where this past winter has resulted in our being in school on Memorial Day. These children know no sacrifice. I hope to touch their spirit as I share the story of MSgt John Burnam. He will be speaking at the Memorial Wall tomorrow and will recount the service he and others gave as they walked point through the jungles with their scout dog. It is fitting that the wall, with its list of the dead, should reflect the living for whom they died. Thank you for posting a picture I can share.
Chuck Pollick · June 2, 2003 - 23:23 EST #23
Although I was young at the time. I'm now in my 40s and have learned quite a bit about the war and how it was fought. I would like to take this oppurtunity to say, "God bless all who served over there." In my mind, you are all heros. Once again, THANK YOU ALL!!!!!
Katie · November 14, 2003 - 00:52 EST #24
Could someone lead me to the site of all the names on the Vietnam Wall? I would so much like to print my brother's name and frame it. Thank you.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · November 14, 2003 - 09:07 EST #25
http://www.virtualwall.org/
Linda Zalesky · November 18, 2003 - 11:56 EST #26
Where can I purchase the print of the man leaning on the wall with the image of the soldiers on the other side? I saw it on your web site, but now I would like to purchase it. How do I do that? Any leads?
Linda Zalesky · November 18, 2003 - 12:24 EST #27
I found out where you can purchase a print of "Reflections," Vietnamreflections.com. I was surfing the net and found it. The print is $50 and $6 for shipping. They also have a list of galleries.
Erick Bloomquist · December 4, 2003 - 17:49 EST #28
My dad was in Vietnam and I'd like to get him a painting of a monument or something commemorative to the Vietnam Vets. It's really important that I show I care because he went through a lot of pain, so I want to make him happy.
ToeHeadKirby · December 11, 2003 - 17:41 EST #29
You guys really are nice and helpful. Thank you for all your wonderful info.
Brian McCleary · December 12, 2003 - 22:29 EST #30
Peace without hurt, peace everlasting, never forgotten, never to hurt again.
Carl Brewer · February 19, 2004 - 22:33 EST #31
I'm happy to find this and to know that some people care. Thanks.
anonymous · March 1, 2004 - 14:16 EST #32
Maya Lin was a fabulous architect and she did beautiful sculptures!
Noemi Holton · April 9, 2004 - 10:01 EST #33
Could someone tell me where I can purchase an artprint or poster of the Three soldiers statue at the vietnam veterans memorial in Washington DC. very important for me. thank you
Shawn Barnavist · April 9, 2004 - 21:45 EST #34
Can you help me find my grandfather on the vietnam memorial I never met him and it would mean alot to me if i could see his name on the memorial. Thanks
Niklas Sweden · April 22, 2004 - 09:58 EST #35
Hi!
I'm writing a essey about Vietnam and this picture is in it. And i wonder if someone can tell me where this place is lcated. Thanx!
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · April 24, 2004 - 22:02 EST #36
Noemi - try AllPosters.com

Shawn - you want to visit the View the Wall web site.

Niklas - you're going to have a really rough time writing your essay if you didn't already know that the Vietnam Memorial is located in Washington, D.C., specifically, not far from the Lincoln Memorial on the north side of the reflection pool.
Tim Stevens · June 20, 2004 - 02:47 EST #37
I cant even describe the feeling that I have knowing what these people have done for us. I dont know if I could of done it. But these people where, and for that I can call them my HERO. For the people that fell, they fell for reason, they fell for you and me. To me that is a HERO. For all those who lost a relative or a close friend GOD BLESS and think what they did for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Justin Pierce · August 27, 2004 - 13:17 EST #38
Lee:
On Oct. 21, 2001 you responded to a question about a picture of a man leaning against the wall with the image of another soldier comforting him. I bought that painting when I lived in Washington DC and it hangs on my wall in my office. I'm wondering, is there a story behind that picture? I just wonder if the painter himself was a veteran, or if there is some other story behind the painting. Please inform if you have any information. Thanks.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · August 28, 2004 - 00:48 EST #39
Justin - I found two pages that should tell you what you'd like to know: one specifically about the print and another about the artist.
moeman · January 29, 2005 - 15:53 EST #40
i miss my grandpe donald strange of dayton ky. he served in the army for15 years. i evan got a patch that he wore on his jacket.
Mary · February 12, 2005 - 08:38 EST #41
It's so sad all those people died. I just wish all war could end for good, because the war never starts because of the soldiers...but it's only soldiers and innocent citizens that die. It's really sad.
jamie dunning · March 29, 2005 - 11:53 EST #42
I am greatfull fo rall the men who perished in the war thank you all of the men in the veitnam war who lost there lives fighting for a good couse.

You will never be forgoton

jamie dunning
great barr
birmingham
England
age-13

Rachel · April 15, 2005 - 13:56 EST #43
i'm doing a report/packet on Washington DC and i need help finding a picture and information on the Vietnam Veternans Memorial. I'm looking for a picture of 3 statue soldiers, black looking, and looking like they are looking for something.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · April 15, 2005 - 14:16 EST #44
Rachel - if you had looked on the top-left-side navigation for this month's issue, you'd have seen the vietnam-soldiers link (the very next photo) that I believe is the shot you're looking for. Also, various tidbits of information as well as external web links have already been shared in the comments above. Lastly, please take the advice that it's always a good idea to ask permission to use photos you find for school reports. In this case, these D.C. photos are mine and, as far as I'm concerned, I don't mind if people use them for reports if, in some inconspicuous place, an acknowledgment is given that credits the photos. But regardless whether the photos are mine or another photographer's, you should always ask first instead of simply stating that you will be or already have used them.
John · April 16, 2005 - 20:27 EST #45
I'm doing a project and I need an overhead view of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial really bad. Thanks.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · April 16, 2005 - 21:33 EST #46
John - does this work?

If not, it just so happens I took a shot of it from the perspective of the top of the Washington Monument. It was, obviously, not a candidate for the set of images I chose for this desktop wallpaper series.

If neither suits you, keep on Googlin'!
Jenny · April 24, 2005 - 14:44 EST #47
Does anyone know the artist of the picture with the man leaning on the wall and being comforted by the soldiers titled "reflect"?
ATPM Staff · April 24, 2005 - 17:13 EST #48
Jenny - web sites previously mentioned in these comments such as http://www.vietnamreflections.com/ should have all the information you need about the painting.
Misty Cline · April 26, 2005 - 09:25 EST #49
I'm looking for a picture of a woman holding her baby while looking at the Vietnam Wall and a hand from above comforting her. Any assistance would be great
ATPM Staff · April 26, 2005 - 10:38 EST #50
Misty - try searching the thewall-usa site's wallpics page that was linked way back near the top of this comments thread.
Mia Woods · April 26, 2005 - 10:45 EST #51
My dad was in the Vietnam war. Thank You for taking time to keep alive the memory of all who died there.
anonymous · April 27, 2005 - 19:11 EST #52
I am looking for an answer as to why Maya Lin designed the wall in polished black granite instead of like something else? juss wondering

-Shelby-
Melanie Rubio · May 19, 2005 - 12:32 EST #53
I wanted to know why Maya Ying Lin used granite to design the wall and where did it come from?
Bryan Chiaramonte · September 1, 2005 - 19:06 EST #54
Thank you for this picture. I t helped me at school with my project.
anonymous · September 22, 2005 - 14:33 EST #55
nice job to everybody
Shannon Hamilton · November 16, 2005 - 20:37 EST #56
To all reading this. I am so sorry the men and women that served our country never got the Welcome Home they rightfully deserved. It makes me sick to hear the stories my father shares with me about the way this country embraced you upon your return home, or lack there of. I loved hearing all the stories of my fathers days in the war and to this day he is and will remain my hero. He, like all of you, risked their life and unforuntuately it is the only war we actually lost. Although it is too long over due and I am only one little 27 year old woman, I want you all to know that I didn't forget you, I am proud of each one of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. My father told me that the men and women that died over there were the lucky ones because they didn't have to face what the survivors had to face when they came home. I am sorry he ever had to feel that way and I am sorry if you do to. Thank you to all of you, to all soldiers in every war. I am proud to be an American and it is because of you I can say that!
Kylie · January 8, 2006 - 17:21 EST #57
hey i really like all the photos on here especially this one!!!:D
Sara · January 29, 2006 - 20:42 EST #58
what kind of order are the names in
ATPM Staff · January 29, 2006 - 23:14 EST #59
Sara - a very short amount of time with Google led me to a National Park Service web page that has your answer: "The names are listed in the order in which the men and women died or were declared missing."
Jesse · March 25, 2006 - 18:18 EST #60
On that wall is heros! thank you some much for what yall did! God bless yall and all of your familys!
YOENARSO INDONESIA · March 26, 2006 - 20:27 EST #61
I'm always proud of US forces who have shared their lives for freedom and democracy in vietnam war. Unfortunately their sacrifice have been broken down by the latest US administration.

US forces are deployed to fight against moslem countries without any clear reasons. They killed civilian, children, women and un sin people.
Herbert G. Bell Jr. · November 14, 2006 - 19:52 EST #62
I feel that your effort here is one of care and concern. But for those who served in Viet Nam and have not been able to visit this memorial as yet, we find it necessary if at all possible for the names of these persons be visible enough for them to be read on our computer.
I ask that this be done for the sake of many of us so that we may be made aware of what the status of our buddies are that served in viet Nam - and we're not able to find out so far.
I flew over with a young man by the last name - Wilturner. I don't know if this is the correct spelling; and I don't remember his first name. I just know that this is a problem for me and I need to know if he's alive. This soldier came from Houston, Tx...
If you can help us with this matter we will be so happy - we need to know. I believe there to be so many others of us who feel this very same way - please help. Thanks
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · November 14, 2006 - 22:03 EST #63
Herbert - you can use the "Search the Wall" link near the top of http://thewall-usa.com/
Donna Richardson · February 6, 2007 - 15:46 EST #64
My POW-MIA bracelet from the Vietnam War was for a hero named Arvin Chauncey and he was from around Chicago the best I remember. I did not find him on the search for a name on The Wall. If anyone out there may know of this hero, please email me.
Kandayce P · February 17, 2007 - 19:13 EST #65
There is a lot of names on the wall and I'm sorry for all the familes that had to face the sad time.My fifth grade class is going to Washington in March and will be seeing the wall day and night.
claudia · May 5, 2007 - 22:27 EST #66
i felt so bad when i saw the memorial that was a terrible and sad war. i think that the memorial was a great idea, because like that we can remember that persons
kassandra · May 8, 2007 - 14:36 EST #67
this is a good thing to show people how much they apprshate the memorial.
Ken · May 15, 2007 - 09:47 EST #68
For Donna Richardson,
Capt Chauncey retired from the Navy and lives in Minnesota. He is a tremendous individual who I had the great honor of meeting while he was still on active duty.
dani · September 9, 2007 - 19:50 EST #69
The memorial is really beautiful. I wish wars would not happen and I feel sad for all those soldiers who gave their lives, and for the family and friends who lost loved ones.
Ben Simpson · October 22, 2007 - 10:11 EST #70
I am an Englishman and I am feircely proud of my country. However the Vietnam war is something that has affected me deeply, I am 23 and I have studied the war since a high school essay I was requested to complete about the war.

I cannot possibly imagine what it was like to be involved, although I have been in the army, I was never involved in live combat.

The soldiers that fought were presented with no choice, yet they still fought with pride, honour and courage out of a sense of pride and duty to their country, which in my eyes makes them akin to myself and I consider them to be my brothers.

I would just like to say that the American soldiers that served in Vietnam will always be in my heart and will eternally have my respect and undying praise.

If any veterans here have any stories that they would like to recount, please let me know as I will be only to willing to listen, as due to the nature of humans, pain and grief lessen over time, but I believe that the events and the people of the conflict should never be forgotten, and should be passed down from generation to generation in order to honour the soldiers that fought so dedicatedly for their country.

Thankyou for your time.
brandon s lee · November 12, 2007 - 12:35 EST #71
i thank the people who died for us in the service if i could take their place i would
take it in a heart beat
sydney · November 27, 2007 - 23:15 EST #72
i love vietnam memorial i also have to do a report about it for school
Albert Rife · January 15, 2008 - 13:23 EST #73
Is their a listing on line of the men/women inscribed on the wall ?
Gene Spanos · February 24, 2008 - 13:42 EST #74
Rest In Peace all of the Marines from the 11th Engineer Bn that gave their lives while serving this great nation.

Semper Fi
Gene
Doug Andriole · May 26, 2008 - 21:38 EST #75
I served in Vietnam from 4 May '69 to 11 April '70. Even though I was in a support group and did not see any combat I am proud of my service. The war tore apart the country and a vast majority of us were insulted and spit at when we returned home. A lot of us marched on Washington (Vietnam Vets Aganist the War) to try to bring it to an end. My closure was not completed until NYC (my hometown) held a parade for NYC Vietnam vets on May 7th, 1985........
On this Memorial Day in 2008 I salute my comrades in arms whose names are on "The Wall" in Washinton D.C. and I say to all of the other vets I served with... "Welcome Home"
Dee Keeton · April 22, 2009 - 10:45 EST #76
I hope that Maya Ying Lin is proud of this. It is the coolest thing ever. I am doing a reprt for school on Maya Ying Lin and she is great at what she does.

~*dee keeton~*
Bob Wassink · June 20, 2009 - 09:26 EST #77
I look at we as a nation have put in memoir of were we have come from.I have been to this wall of Beautiful Human Beings and it brings me to Tears.I too have a son in the Military Service and a very proud Father.
Jose M. Rosario · August 17, 2010 - 15:52 EST #78
I served with the 47th Trans Co back in 1971. The Vietnam Memorial Wall is one of the most touching monuments ever. I was looking for a miniature replica of the statue with the 3 soldiers that stands next to the monument. God Bless all vietnam vets and for that all vets go gave so much for our country. Thank you.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · August 17, 2010 - 16:04 EST #79
Jose - this was the only link I came up with:

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/three-soldiers-statue-vietnam-war-memorial-10

I'd advise you to perform more Google searches with keywords such as what I used: three servicemen statue miniature

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