The Vietnam War Memorial is a national monument located in Washington, D.C., dedicated to honoring the U.S. service members who fought in the Vietnam War. Designed by architect Maya Lin, the memorial features a black granite wall inscribed with the names of over 58,000 soldiers who lost their lives or went missing during the conflict. Inaugurated in 1982, the memorial serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. Visitors often leave flowers, letters, and other tokens at the base of the wall, creating a personal connection to the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War.