The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was initially conceived with one overriding purpose -- to bring long overdue honor and recognition to the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in Vietnam. Because so many veterans met with ridicule and contempt upon returning home, it was hoped that the Memorial would be a place where that injustice could at long last be rectified. And, in great measure, it has been. Healings, restorations and reunions have all occurred there. The Wall has long spoken a silent but eloquent message for those who participated in the war as well as for all those whose lives were impacted by it.

Today, the Memorial has transcended its role as a national symbol of reconciliation and stands as a living history lesson. The Memorial is unique in its ability to inspire exploration and reflection about this critical time in our nation's past, with a wiser eye toward the future. The more than 80,000 items that have been left at The Wall by visitors since its dedication in 1982 also offer a compelling picture of the Memorial's impact on society.

As the founders of The Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund works to preserve the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to promote healing and to educate about the impact of the Vietnam War.