Why was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial so controversial?
The design aroused a great deal of controversy, reflecting the lack of resolution of the national conflicts over the war as well as the lack of consensus over what constituted an appropriate memorial at the end of the 20th century.
What are three facts about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
The Memorial Wall
- The design for the memorial was determined through a nationwide competition.
- Of the over 1,400 submissions, Yale architecture student Maya Lin’s design was chosen by the committee.
- The Memorial Wall was dedicated on Veterans Day of 1982.
- 70 separate panels make up each of the walls of the ‘v’ shape.
Is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Free?
NW, Vietnam Veterans Memorial is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. The memorial includes the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service in the Vietnam Conflict. The memorial also includes “The Three Servicemen” statue and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.
Why is the Vietnam memorial black instead of white?
To achieve this effect she chose polished black granite for the walls. Its mirror-like surface reflects the images of the surrounding trees, lawns and monuments. The Memorial’s walls point to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, thus bringing the Memorial into the historical context of our country.
What did Maya Lin call the Vietnam memorial?
Yes, the black wedge of what has come to be known as “The Wall” features the names of over 58,000 men and women who lost their lives in the conflict as previous memorials have. But Lin’s minimalist and profoundly confrontational presentation is an intimate, personal take on public art.
What is missing from the Vietnam Memorial?
The Cadet and the Goat Of the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, approximately 1,500 are still listed as Missing in Action. One of those names is Morgan Donahue, on Panel West 36, Line 14. The son of a World War II Army aviator, Donahue was destined to serve in the military from an early age.
How long is the Vietnam War Memorial wall?
246 feet and 9 inches
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall provides one of the National Mall’s most powerful scenes. In truth, the “wall” is actually made up of two identical walls that each stretch 246 feet and 9 inches, containing more than 58,000 names.
What did Maya Lin call the Vietnam Memorial?
Who pushed for the building of the Vietnam memorial?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was founded by Jan Scruggs, who served in Vietnam (in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade) from 1969-1970 as a infantry corporal. He wanted the memorial to acknowledge and recognize the service and sacrifice of all who served in Vietnam. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc.
Why was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial controversial?
One end pointing the Washington Monument, to remind us the unity of our nation while the other end pointing to the Lincoln Memorial that signifies the Civil War when our nation was divided into two. Vietnam Veteran is a controversial memorial because it makes people mourn and sad for the deceased veterans rather than glorify their deeds.
How many Vietnam Veterans Memorial are there?
This is reflected in the fact that the Vietnam memorial is now made up of three parts: the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, completed first and the best-known part of the memorial; The Three Soldiers; and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial .
Why was the Vietnam Memorial Wall controversial?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The controversy about the wall reflected America’s feelings at that time regarding our involvement in Vietnam. Saigon had fallen to communism only 6 years before, and the Cold War against the Soviet Union continually held the world hostage to nuclear annihilation.
Why was the Vietnam Memorial built?
The memorial is dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty and country of all who served in one of the most divisive wars in US history. After watching the movie The Deer Hunter, Jan C. Scruggs, a wounded Vietnam War veteran, and advocate, stepped up his efforts to create a war memorial to honor those who died in Vietnam.