Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Dedicated in 1988
Honors the almost 3,000 Illinoisans killed or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. Symbolizing the unity of those fighting men and women in the Vietnam War, the circular plan of the memorial allows the visitor to enter the interior courtyard from any direction. The names of those who were killed in battle or those still missing are engraved on five black granite walls in the memorial; those killed in action have a hollow circle preceding their names. The missing in action have smooth-surfaced circles which indicate their fate has not yet been determined. Forming an interior courtyard, the five walls represent each branch of service which is designated by its insignia. The names of those who were prisoners of war and those highly decorated veterans within each service branch are also inscribed on the 15-foot high gray granite walls. Where these walls meet burns an eternal flame of recognition, of hope and of honor as the inscription reads "To Those Who Died Honor and Eternal Rest, To Those Still in Bondage Remembrance and Hope, And To Those Who Returned Gratitude and Peace."
The “Vietnam Veterans Vigil and Memorial Service” is held on the first full weekend in May, with a Memorial Day observance later in the month. A “Christmas Remembrance” is observed on the first Saturday in December.
Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery