Copyright: National Park Service Apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Description - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial serves as a testament to the sacrifice of American military personnel during one of this nation's least popular wars. By erecting this memorial, it was hoped that the issue of the veterans and their sacrifice could be separated from the U.S. policy in the war, thereby creating a venue for reconciliation.

Attractions - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial recognizes and honors the men and women who served in one of America's most divisive wars. The memorial grew out of a need to heal the nation's wounds as America struggled to reconcile different moral and political points of view. In fact, the memorial was conceived and designed to make no political statement whatsoever about the war. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a place where everyone, regardless of opinion, can come together, remember, and honor those who served. By doing so, the memorial has paved the way towards reconciliation and healing, a process that continues today. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial accomplishes these goals through the three components that comprise the memorial: the Wall of names, the Three Servicemen Statue and Flagpole, and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is opened daily from 8:00 AM until 11:45 PM, every day except Christmas Day.

Recreation - Individuals visit the memorial on foot. Park rangers present several interpretive programs and talks throughout the year.

Climate - Washington, D.C. experiences four distinct seasons. Winters can be bitterly cold or pleasantly mild while summers can be miserably hot and humid or agreeably warm. The average January temperature is 37 degrees F (3 degrees C). The average July temperature is 78 degrees F (26 degrees C). Spring and fall are pleasant times of the year to visit the area, temperatures are mild with low humidity.

Location - Interstates 66 and 395 provide access to the Mall from the south. Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway provide access from the north. Interstate 66, Route 50 and 29 provide access from the west. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the east.

LAT: 38.890064139
LONG: -77.0429992676