A Legacy of Healing and Hope
Vietnam Women's Memorial
Over 265,000 American women served during the Vietnam era (1956 through 1975) and over 11,000 saw duty in Vietnam. The majority served as nurses, caring for thousands of wounded servicemen in the difficult conditions of crowded transports, harsh weather, difficult terrain, and long hours. Between 1964 and 1973, dedicated nurses tended to over 100,000 wounded, saving nearly 98 percent of those who eventually reached hospitals.
The Memorial
Inspired to tell the story of all Vietnam-era women, former Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans worked with thousands of veterans to create the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Dedicated on November 11, 1993, Glenna Goodacre's sculptural grouping joins the national "circle of healing" that begins at the Three Servicemen Statue, and continues past the Wall and the Women's Memorial to the In Memory plaque.
This first memorial in the nation's capital to honor the military service of women completes the public tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. The names of seven Army nurses and one Air Force nurse appear on the Wall. The eight trees surrounding this memorial mark their sacrifice.
Marker is at the intersection of Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue, NW (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling north on Henry Bacon Drive.
Courtesy hmdb.org
