Maya Lin, Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Maya Lin, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1982, granite, 2 acres within Constitution Gardens, (National Mall, Washington, D.C.), speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

[ronniebishop]

As a Vietnam vet I want to thank Maya Lin for designing this memorial, I knew nothing about it when I first saw it but I understood it immediately, the gash in the side of our country, and both ends running into the ground and pointing at the Washington monument and Lincoln memorial. Black granite with my dead buddy’s names on it. Maya being Asian is so appropriate and to me a miracle straight from God himself. I salute you!

[benitaesq_]

I watched an interview conducted with Maya Lin when she was 21 years old after she won the opportunity to design this monument. She said something to the effect that in order to heal from pain we must recognize that a tragedy actually happened. These are not her words verbatim, but I’ve paraphrased what she stated. She was very mature at 21.

[barbaradavis]

Vietnam was my generation's war. This is the most evocative memorial that I have ever seen. You are surrounded by the wall. There are no distractions. You stand there and are entirely focused on the names of those who gave their all. That is what matters.

[muzikizfun]

I am a veteran of the US Army and began my service in 1971 as things were cooling off in Vietnam. My brother served their with honor for over 2 years and only came home when he was severely wounded. The memorial designed by Ms Lin while criticized by some, I find wholly appropriate and profound. While some say it is a scar, my brother found it a place of remembrance for his departed comrades. He said to him it symbolized the open arms of his country (never minding those minority that didn't). When he visited he would hug his fellow veterans. Ms Lin's creation can be interpreted many ways but my brother who would eventually pass away from the aftereffects of his injuries found the memorial a place of healing for which he thanked the designer for.

[robynwaugh]

I honestly had no idea how deep the symbolism went into the design of this monument. Thank you for enlightening me!

[joenax]

This design was very tasteful, subtle, yet impactful. Really a work of art.

[thangnguyen]

Maya Lin's words are so eloquent.
I'm Vietnamese, so my feeling about this memorial is very complex. Nevertheless, I decided to visit this memorial. Although I did not know any of those name, the site moved me deeply.

[rios]

I visited this place last year and just being there I was overwhelmed with a feeling of sadness..I couldn’t help but to cry..something took over me idk I can’t describe it. Such a powerful place..

[commiecomrade]

Love the symbolism of the two worlds. Love how the names become the boundary. Tangible and immutable as you stare at your own reflection. It all works on so many levels. The main part vets seem to appreciate is the intimacy and safety it provides. You are cradled by the names. Protected by them. Instead of standing around gawking at a statue or towering monolith. Really great object with great symbolism and profound meaning.

War is not glorious and this monument puts the names above the war.

[MisterEspee]

Did one tour in Viet-Nam. RIP my brothers. You will always be in my mind.

[strangecore]

Excellent education as always. I was proud to show this to my class of Art Appreciation students. Your use of the word "cut" resonated with them. For many of them, this was their most memorable moment in our class. Since the majority of them are active military, they appreciated the thought and care Maya Lin put into the memorial as well as your comments. You took something that they first saw as "a hole in the ground" and made it meaningful. Thank you.

[TorontoIam]

"The names on the Wall appear without rank or even their affiliation with a branch of the military service. The only symbols found alongside names indicate whether or not a person's death was confirmed: a cross indicates missing in action and a diamond indicates killed in action. If the person listed MIA, missing in action, is found alive, the cross is changed into a circle, to indicate life. In its quiet way, therefore, the Memorial challenges the classicism and racism that keeps people apart in society. For example, on panel 1W at the apex of the Memorial, two Billie Joe Williams sit side by side, one was an officer, the other an enlisted man, one was black, the other white, one Billie Joe was found on the battle field, the other remains missing. These two names provide a microcosm of the war by making visible the community of suffering that encompasses all segments of society." Quote from Margaret Rose LaWare's "Public Space and postmodernism: A rhetorical study of two contemporary works of public art" (1993, Dissertation, Northwestern University) and I wish I had read this before I saw the memorial!

[stan]

When I was 4 or 5 years old I had a neighbor who was 18 years old he was like my big brother to me, he worked for Pepsi cola in Baltimore, md I don’t remember his name but I remember asking my 14 year old sister we’re he went and she said Vietnam then a few months later she said he got killed in Vietnam and would not ever come back home I don’t remember his name but I would like to know his name we lived in Elmora Ave and he lived across our back alley from us if anyone knows of him or his name please let me know, Because I want to go to the wall and thank him for being my big brother even for a short time. I’ve always missed him growing up and would love to know his name when I go to visit him at the wall

[Cyaanine]

Learnt about Maya Lin on one of my English test, was extremely curious and searched it in YouTube, glad to learn a lot more about the information.

[vl]

Its amazing to me to know that a few years later I was born. What also amazes me is that it has been 40years since this beautiful memorial meaning Maya Lin is now in her 60's. I cannot wait to go with my husband and see this

[JoachimderZweite]

It is a miracle that this beautiful memorial was built - maybe 58000 spirits moved things along or possibly just the hand of heaven.

[JayVanBuren]

great video-- you really explain why this piece is, IMHO, one of the greatest 20th century works of art.

[injusticeanywherethreatens]

Her art teacher submitted a design for the Vietnam Memorial and lost to her!

[soxbearshwks]

my high school classmates Elmwood Park
1Lt. Paul Charles Bertolozzi USMC KIA 8-2-67
Cpl. Richard Clark Abbate USMC KIA 5-18-68
i was 3rd Batt. 7th Marines ChuLai, RVN 10/65-11/66

[movie]

It seems that no matter what memorial's being built, there will always be controversy, whether the for the Vietnam Memorial or the 9/11 memorial.