The memorial honors US service members who died in the Vietnam War.
It's located at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC.
The memorial was dedicated in 1982.
The wall is 246 feet 9 inches long, and the total length of the wall is 493 feet 6 inches.
The wall contains more than 58,000 names, l.
The names begin and end at the center of the memorial
The first name is located in the center of the memorial, at the top of the wall, under the date 1959.
The wall is made of reflective black granite to allow the names to take precedence, and to make the visitor feel as though they are looking into the peaceful “other world” of the dead.
The wall has two 200-foot-long sections that make up the wall, one section directed toward the Lincoln Memorial, and the other is toward the Washington Monument.
Each section of the "V" shape has 70 separate panels.
The names are listed in the order in which the men and women died or were declared missing.

John Jr visits the Vietnam Memorial 

John Jr. in a stroller with his parents by his side, approaching the Vietnam Memorial under a bright sun.

John Jr., a curious baby boy, was about to embark on a very special journey. With his family, he traveled to Washington, DC, to visit the Vietnam Memorial. Although John Jr. was very young, his parents wanted to share this important piece of history with him. The sun was shining brightly as they approached the memorial.

The Journey Begins

John Jr. reaching out with wide eyes towards the reflective black granite wall.

As they arrived, John Jr.'s eyes widened in wonder. The wall, made of reflective black granite, seemed to stretch on forever. His little hands reached out towards the smooth, cool surface. His parents gently explained that the wall honored brave people who had served their country.

First Impressions

John Jr. listening to his parents with a focused expression, the 'V' shaped wall in the background.

John Jr. listened intently as his parents told him about the wall's design. They explained that it was shaped like a 'V' and pointed towards two important landmarks. The names of more than 58,000 heroes were inscribed on it. Each name had a story, a family, and a dream.

Understanding the Wall

John Jr. seeing his reflection in the wall, with names visible around his image.

Looking into the wall, John Jr. saw his own reflection mingling with the names. His mother explained that the reflective surface was to make visitors feel connected to the heroes. John Jr. felt a sense of peace and began to understand the importance of remembering those who had given so much.

Reflections

John Jr. touching a name on the wall gently, with a curious and respectful expression.

As they walked along, John Jr.'s father pointed out a name. It was a friend of the family, someone John Jr. had heard stories about. His parents shared memories of their friend, making him feel alive in John Jr.'s young mind. The little boy touched the name gently, feeling a connection.

A Special Name

John Jr. looking thoughtful and mature beyond his years, with the wall in the background.

John Jr. may have been young, but he was learning so much. The Vietnam Memorial was more than just a wall; it was a lesson in bravery, sacrifice, and the importance of memory. His parents hoped these lessons would stay with him as he grew. John Jr. looked thoughtful, absorbing everything.

Learning and Growing

John Jr. holding his parent's hand, looking back at the wall with a longing expression.

As the visit came to an end, John Jr. didn't want to leave. He felt a strong connection to the place and the stories it held. His parents promised they would return one day. They took one last look at the wall, a silent tribute to those who had served.

Saying Goodbye

John Jr. in the car, looking out the window thoughtfully, the cityscape of Washington, DC fading in the distance.

On the way home, John Jr. was quiet, lost in thought. The visit had made a big impression on him. Even at his young age, he understood the importance of remembering and honoring those who had fought for their country. The journey had been a powerful experience, one that would stay with him forever.