Vietnam Veterans Park: Location, History, Events & Visitor Guide
Vietnam Veterans parks and memorials exist in dozens of U.S. cities and states, with the most visited being the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. — open 24 hours daily, free to enter, and inscribed with over 58,000 names. State-level memorials in New Jersey, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and elsewhere offer additional places for reflection, events, and education.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Multiple sites nationwide; primary national memorial at 5 Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, D.C. |
| Eligibility | Open to the public; no military service required to visit |
| Application | No application or reservation needed for general visits |
| Hours | Vietnam Veterans Memorial (D.C.): open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Official Agency | National Park Service (D.C. memorial); state veterans affairs departments for state parks |
| Required Forms | None for general admission; permits required for weddings, demonstrations, or commercial photography |
| Updated For | February 2025 |
What Is a Vietnam Veterans Park?
A Vietnam Veterans park is a public space — typically a park, plaza, or memorial site — dedicated to honoring the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam War. These sites exist at the national, state, and local levels. They range from the iconic black granite Wall in Washington, D.C., to community parks with monuments, chapels, and educational centers.
Why it matters: Vietnam Veterans parks serve as physical places of remembrance, healing, and education. For Veterans and their families, visiting can provide closure and connection. For the public, these sites preserve the history of a divisive era and honor service members who were often not welcomed home with gratitude.
What to do next: Identify the Vietnam Veterans park closest to you or the one most relevant to your family’s history. Check its hours, events calendar, and any special exhibits before you visit.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) — Washington, D.C.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, commonly called “The Wall,” is located on the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., just north of the Lincoln Memorial. It is the most-visited memorial on the National Mall, attracting more than 5 million visitors each year.
Location and Hours
Address: 5 Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, DC 20245
Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU station (about a 20-minute walk); also accessible via the DC Circulator bus
The memorial is free to visit and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no fees or reservations for general visits. Rangers are typically on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to answer questions and assist visitors.
History of the Wall
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe Vietnam Veterans Memorial was authorized by Congress in 1980 and dedicated on November 13, 1982. It was the result of a national effort led by Vietnam veteran Jan Scruggs, who envisioned a memorial that would recognize and honor those who served.
The design was created by Maya Lin, then a 21-year-old Yale University student. Her concept — two polished black granite walls meeting at an angle, set into the earth — was chosen from over 1,400 entries in a national design competition. The design was controversial at first because it did not follow traditional heroic imagery, but it has since become one of the most beloved and powerful memorials in the country.
The Wall lists the names of more than 58,000 service members who died in the Vietnam War or remain missing. Names are arranged in chronological order by date of loss, not alphabetically. This arrangement emphasizes the unfolding human cost of the war over time.
What You’ll See
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| The Wall | Two 246-foot-long black granite walls inscribed with 58,000+ names |
| Three Servicemen Statue | Bronze statue depicting three soldiers in Vietnam-era gear |
| Vietnam Women’s Memorial | Sculpture honoring the women who served, especially nurses |
| In Memory Plaque | Honors Veterans who died after returning home from Vietnam-related causes |
| Directories | Located at both ends of the Wall to help visitors locate specific names |
Visiting Tips
Name rubbings: You can make a pencil rubbing of a name using paper and a soft pencil. Paper and pencils are often available from volunteers or park rangers.
Quiet reflection: The memorial is designed for quiet contemplation. Speak in a quiet voice, walk at all times, and do not eat at the Memorial.
Night visits: The Wall is open 24 hours and is exceptionally moving after dark, when the granite reflects the surrounding lights.
Accessibility: The memorial is wheelchair accessible, with level stone paths and benches for resting.
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial — Holmdel, NJ
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center are located on the grounds of the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, Monmouth County, just off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116.
Location and Hours
Address: 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Memorial Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge
Educational Center Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free for Veterans and active-duty military; $4 for adults; $2 for students and seniors; free for children under 10
What Makes This Memorial Unique
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is an open-air circular pavilion measuring 200 feet in diameter. It was designed by Hien Nguyen, who came to the United States from Vietnam in 1975. The memorial honors the 1,563 New Jerseyans who died during the Vietnam War.
The site is unique because it includes an educational component — the Vietnam Era Educational Center — making it the only Vietnam memorial in the country with its own museum and educational facility. The center features exhibits, a resource center, and a 6,000-square-foot visitor area with restrooms and information.
Events at the NJ Memorial
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial hosts several annual events:
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day — Held in May, this ceremony honors the state’s fallen and includes a memorial service
Veterans Day Ceremony — Held on November 11 each year
Wreaths Across America — A December wreath-laying ceremony
“The Last Patrol” — A commemorative event honoring the 14 New Jersey veterans who walked 237 miles from Washington, D.C., to Holmdel in 1989 to raise awareness for the memorial
What to do next: If you’re planning a visit to the NJ memorial, check the Vietnam Era Museum’s website for current hours and any special events. The memorial itself is always open.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park — Angel Fire, New Mexico
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire, New Mexico, was the first major Vietnam memorial in the United States and remains the only state park dedicated exclusively to veterans of the Vietnam War.
Location and Hours
Address: 34 Country Club Rd, Angel Fire, NM 87710
Location: Off U.S. Highway 64 in Angel Fire, Colfax County, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Elevation: 8,500 feet
Hours: Open daily; check with New Mexico Department of Veterans Services for current hours
History of the Angel Fire Memorial
The memorial was begun by Victor and Jeanne Westphall in honor of their son, David Westphall, a Marine killed in Vietnam in 1968. Originally known as the Vietnam Veterans Peace and Brotherhood Chapel, it was dedicated in 1971 while the war was still raging. The site became New Mexico’s 33rd state park in 2005.
In 2017, management of the memorial was transferred from New Mexico State Parks to the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services. The memorial is recognized by Congress as a “memorial of national significance” and is adjacent to the Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery.
What You’ll See
The Chapel: A distinctive, soaring white chapel that serves as the centerpiece of the memorial
The Memorial: A peaceful garden and monument area honoring the 58,000+ Americans who died in Vietnam
Museum and Scrapbook: Displays and memorabilia that tell the story of the Vietnam War and the Westphall family’s journey
Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery: Adjacent to the memorial, this cemetery serves Veterans and their families
Vietnam Veterans Park — Farmington, New Mexico
The Vietnam Veterans Park in Farmington, New Mexico, is a 9.3-acre community park that includes a memorial honoring Vietnam Veterans from the Four Corners region.
Location and Features
Address: 3801 N Butler Ave, Farmington, NM 87401
Phone: 505-599-1197
Size: 9.3 acres
The park offers:
A memorial area with inscriptions on black granite honoring soldiers missing or killed in action
Brick inscriptions honoring living Veterans
Seating with shelter
Ample green areas
A playground for children
The memorial honors Veterans from Apache County, AZ; Montezuma and La Plata Counties, CO; San Juan and McKinley Counties, NM; and San Juan County, UT.
Events at Farmington Park
The park hosts the Annual Vietnam Veterans Honor Walk, a multi-day event that begins in Thoreau, New Mexico, and concludes in Farmington. The walk honors Navajo veterans who served during the Vietnam War and includes a community dinner at the park. The park also has softball fields used for local league games and tournaments.
Vietnam Veterans Park — Billerica, Massachusetts
Vietnam Veterans Park in Billerica, Massachusetts, holds a special distinction: it was the first park in the United States dedicated to Vietnam Veterans.
Location and Features
Address: Treble Cove Road, Billerica, MA 01821 (use 266-268 Treble Cove Rd. for GPS)
Size: 240 acres (150 acres of conservation land)
The park includes:
A Vietnam Veterans Memorial — the first in the nation
Hiking and conservation trails
Athletic fields and a soccer complex
A playground
Picnic areas
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts transferred the park’s 200 acres to the Town of Billerica in 1994. Today it serves as both a memorial site and a community recreation area.
Events
The park hosts community events throughout the year, including the Purple Poppy Walk for Animals, which benefits the National Service Animal Monument. The park is also used for youth sports and local recreation programs.
Vietnam Veterans Park — Concord, North Carolina
Vietnam Veterans Park in Concord, North Carolina, is a 90-acre park that offers both passive recreation and a memorial to Cabarrus County’s Vietnam Veterans.
Location and Features
Address: 760 Orphanage Road, Concord, NC 28027
Phone: (704) 920-2749
Size: 90 acres
The park offers:
Vietnam Veterans Memorial honoring the 29 men from Cabarrus County who died in Vietnam
Picnic shelters and sites
Walking trails and boardwalk
Basketball courts
Horseshoe pits
Disc golf course
Bocce court
Playground
Volleyball court
The park was dedicated in 2014 and is managed by Cabarrus County Parks.
Other Notable Vietnam Veterans Parks and Memorials
Beyond the major sites described above, Vietnam Veterans parks and memorials exist in many communities across the United States. Here is a comparison of some additional locations:
| Park/Memorial | Location | Key Features | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Veterans Park | Flint, MI | Memorials and exhibits honoring Vietnam Veterans | Check locally |
| Vietnam Veterans Park | North Billerica, MA | First Vietnam Veterans park in U.S.; trails, fields | 8:00 a.m. – dusk |
| Vietnam Veterans Park | Paterson, NJ | Memorial park with benches | Check locally |
| Chatham Township Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park | Chatham, NJ | Dedicated 1973; public access | Check locally |
| Vietnam Veterans Plaza | New York, NY | Memorial plaza in Manhattan | Open 24 hours |
| West Virginia Veterans Memorial | Charleston, WV | Honors veterans from multiple wars | Check locally |
Why it matters: Local Vietnam Veterans parks often serve as gathering places for community events, Veterans Day ceremonies, and memorial services. Even small parks can provide a meaningful place for reflection.
What to do next: Search for “Vietnam Veterans park near me” or contact your state or county veterans affairs office to find the memorial closest to you.
Comparison: National vs. State vs. Local Memorials
| Feature | National Memorial (D.C.) | State Memorials | Local/Community Parks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | Honors all who served nationally | Honors state residents who died or served | Honors local residents |
| Names Inscribed | 58,000+ | State-specific counts (e.g., 1,563 in NJ) | Local counts |
| Amenities | Rangers, directories, statues | Museums, educational centers, chapels | Playgrounds, trails, picnic areas |
| Events | Memorial Day, Veterans Day ceremonies | State remembrance days, wreath-laying | Community ceremonies, walks |
| Cost | Free | Free or low-cost | Free |
| Hours | 24/7 | Varies by site | Typically dawn to dusk |
Planning Your Visit: What to Know
Best Times to Visit
Washington, D.C.: Early morning or late evening for a quieter experience. The memorial is open 24 hours, and night visits are particularly moving.
State memorials: Check hours before you go. Outdoor memorials are often open 24/7, but museums and educational centers have limited hours.
Seasonal considerations: Many state parks are in areas with harsh winters. Angel Fire, NM, is at 8,500 feet elevation and can be cold and snowy in winter.
What to Bring
For name rubbings at the Wall: Paper and a soft pencil
For outdoor parks: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing
For state memorials: Check if there is an admission fee for educational centers
Accessibility
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is fully wheelchair accessible with level stone paths and benches. Many state memorials are also accessible, but it’s wise to check in advance if you have specific mobility needs.
Etiquette
Vietnam Veterans memorials are places of solemn remembrance. Visitors are asked to:
Speak in a quiet voice
Walk at all times
Not eat at the memorial
Not litter
Refrain from sitting or climbing on the Wall
Respect the reflective nature of the space
Common Questions
1. Where is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located?
The national Vietnam Veterans Memorial is on the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., north of the Lincoln Memorial near 22nd St. and Constitution Ave. NW. State memorials are located in Holmdel, NJ; Angel Fire, NM; and many other communities nationwide.
2. Is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial open 24 hours?
Yes. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to visit. Many state memorials also maintain 24-hour outdoor access, though educational centers have limited hours.
3. How many names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
The Wall in Washington, D.C., bears the names of more than 58,000 service members who died in the Vietnam War or remain missing. Names are listed in chronological order of loss, not alphabetically.
4. Who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
The Wall was designed by Maya Lin, who was a 21-year-old Yale University student when her design was selected in a national competition. The memorial was dedicated on November 13, 1982.
5. What is the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial?
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is an open-air circular pavilion in Holmdel, NJ, honoring the 1,563 New Jerseyans who died in Vietnam. It includes the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, the only educational facility of its kind at a Vietnam memorial.
6. What is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire?
Located in Angel Fire, New Mexico, this was the first major Vietnam memorial in the U.S. It was begun by Victor and Jeanne Westphall in honor of their son, David, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968. It became a New Mexico state park in 2005.
7. Are there Vietnam Veterans parks in every state?
No, not every state has a dedicated Vietnam Veterans park, but most states have at least one significant Vietnam memorial or veterans park. Local communities often maintain their own memorials in city parks.
8. Can I make a rubbing of a name at the Wall?
Yes. Name rubbings are permitted at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Directories at both ends of the Wall help you locate a specific name, and volunteers often provide paper and pencils.
9. What events are held at Vietnam Veterans parks?
Common events include Memorial Day ceremonies, Veterans Day observances, National Vietnam War Veterans Day events on March 29, wreath-laying ceremonies, honor walks, and educational programs at state memorials.
10. Is there an admission fee for Vietnam Veterans parks?
The national memorial in Washington, D.C., is free. Most state and local parks are also free. Some state memorials with educational centers charge a small admission fee for the museum, but Veterans and active-duty military are often admitted free.
11. How do I find a Vietnam Veterans park near me?
Search online for “Vietnam Veterans park near me” or contact your state department of veterans affairs. The National War Memorial Registry also maintains a database of memorials across the country.
12. What is the significance of March 29 for Vietnam Veterans?
March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all who served during the Vietnam War era. Many Vietnam Veterans parks hold special ceremonies on this date, including lapel pinning ceremonies for Vietnam-era Veterans.
Key Takeaways
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is the most visited Vietnam memorial, open 24/7 and free, with over 58,000 names inscribed.
State memorials in New Jersey, New Mexico, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and elsewhere offer local tributes and educational resources.
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial includes the only Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center at a memorial site.
The Angel Fire, New Mexico, memorial was the first major Vietnam memorial in the U.S., begun by a Gold Star family in 1971.
Billerica, Massachusetts, is home to the first park in the U.S. dedicated to Vietnam Veterans.
March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, with ceremonies at many memorials.
Name rubbings are permitted at the Wall, and directories help visitors locate specific names.
Most outdoor memorials are free and open 24/7, though museum hours vary.
Vietnam Veterans parks serve as places of healing, education, and community gathering.
Local memorials exist in dozens of communities nationwide, often honoring county or city residents who served.
Official Resources
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (National Park Service): https://www.nps.gov/vive/
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial & Museum: https://www.njvvmf.org/
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services: https://www.dvs.nm.gov/
VA.gov — Vietnam Veterans: https://www.va.gov/veterans/learn-about-vietnam-veterans/
National War Memorial Registry: https://www.nationalwarmemorialregistry.org/
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
USA.gov — Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
