The Making and Meaning of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

In 1981, 21-year-old Maya Lin, a student at Yale University, triumphed in the design contest for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It provoked both controversy and intense emotional responses.

However, it ultimately became one of the most cherished and frequently visited memorials in the United States.

Lin’s design fosters an atmosphere for serene reflection and commemoration, while concurrently recognizing the suffering and distress caused by war.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

A moving Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was Maya Lin’s first major public work.

This piece of art was characterized by its controvery, since it is different from what usual war memorials would look like.

It is a rather simple wall, constituted of black granite,on which was listen more than 55 thousands Americans, who have lost their life or were labeled missing during the Vietnam War.

The idea behind this wall was to focus on the impact those veterans left, rather than the design of the art piece.

The simplicity of the memorial enhances the reflection behind its meaning and existence.

The Veteran’s memorial wall is a unique and memorable way to pay tribute to every man and women who gave their life serving their nation.

Their memory is as present as this wall is: it reminds us that bravery, dedication, altruisim and love for the nation will be remembered forever, this wall awakens strong public emotions and leaves an ever lasting impression in their mind.

It brings justice to fallen soldiers and victims, as they may fall during the war but their memory never will, nor will the abstract meaning of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall.