Memorial Day in the United States was two days ago, but I didn’t learn about this site until today. Otherwise, I would have included it in my Memorial Day post.
The Vietnam War was unlike any other conflict in which the United States has been involved. One of the major differences was not only the amount of opposition to it, but also the difference in the way that our military personnel were perceived and treated at home.
Thankfully, we have come a long way since the 1960s and 1970s in terms of the support shown to our active military. However, 58,000 servicemen were killed in Vietnam. They are now honored and recognized for their service and ultimate sacrifice on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
Did you know that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the founders of the national memorial, have set a new goal?
They need our help. If you have a friend or family member who is recognized on The Wall, check to see if a photo and biographical information has been added for that person.
My husband’s family were good friends with another family in their neighborhood, the Bowers. Richard Bowers was a good friend of my brother-in-law and served as his best man when he married. He later died in Vietnam. I checked the Virtual Vietnam Veterans Wall of Faces and someone has shared his photo.
The home page has a search box.
I entered “Richard Bowers” and three came up, but only one from California. There is also an advanced search box next to the standard search box, so if I was looking for John Smith, I could enter more information to narrow the results.
Notice that below the photos, there is a “More Information” link.
This page gives his full name, dates of birth and death, his hometown, the branch of service and rank, the province where he died and the panel location on the wall where his name can be found.
Donations can be made in his honor and a name rubbing can be requested.
The goal of the founders of the Virtual Vietnam Veterans Wall of Faces is to have each of the fallen represented by a photo and additional information.
In the 21st century, this is so do-able! Please spread the word to your own FAN club (yes, the friends, associates and neighbors club in the genealogical world) and let them know about this worthy project.
These servicemen weren’t honored during their lifetimes, but they can be thanked and honored for posterity.
Thank you for this information – wonderful websites. I have a second cousin who died in Vietnam (which I only found out after I started researching my family history). Check your links – they both direct to The Wall-USA, which is also interesting, but I had to search to find the page that you show here. I hope I remember to share this information about my second cousin next Memorial Day.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for letting me know about the link. I’ve fixed it.
I didn’t know anything about this wall either! What a wonderful way to honor those who fought and died in Viet Nam. Thank you for sharing!
That my uncle. I recognize your last name from talking to my Dad and Grandparents.