On November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was formally dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The centerpiece is a V-shaped black granite wall inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or went missing in the Vietnam War. Designed by Maya Lin, the memorial’s minimalist style initially sparked controversy, but it soon became widely respected for its emotional power. Visitors often leave flowers, photographs, and personal items at the wall, making it an evolving record of memory and grief. The dedication ceremony brought together veterans, families, and public officials in a moment of national reflection. The memorial helped shift public discussion from politics of the war to honoring the people who served.
