Washington, D.C. – For the first time ever, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) now has maintenance responsibility at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.  This change comes as VVMF expands its maintenance partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) to cover all four components of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site.

“We’re thrilled to work with VVMF, Eastern National and the National Park Service to implement this change,” said Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.  We have a sense of comfort knowing that the Memorial will be cared for going forward, and will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of my Vietnam veteran sisters.”

Since The Wall was dedicated in 1982, VVMF has been a partner with NPS for programs, activities and the care and preservation of the Memorial.  That partnership expanded to encompass the Three Servicemen Statue and flagpole when it was dedicated in 1984, and the In Memory Plaque added in 2004.  The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was dedicated in 1993 by the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, which conducted programs there over the years but never had a maintenance partnership with NPS.  The Foundation transferred programmatic responsibilities to Eastern National, a 501(c)3 nonprofit cooperating association, in 2015 when the Foundation officially closed.  Members of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation Board of Directors formed an Advisory Board to assist Eastern National with program planning.

“For 30 years, the National Park Service has cared for the statue and plaza, which comprise the Vietnam Women’s Memorial,” said Jim Knotts president and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.  “We noticed several things that needed more urgent maintenance or repair, so VVMF started coordinating with Eastern National and the founders of the Women’s Memorial.  It became clear the site could benefit from a formal nonprofit maintenance partner like VVMF had for The Wall.  Working in partnership with NPS, VVMF can address specific problems and ongoing care and preservation at a level and speed that is hard for NPS to match given the extent of its responsibilities across the National Mall.”

“We are grateful to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for their long-standing partnership in the care of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which will now include the Vietnam Women’s Memorial,” said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Private support such as this helps the National Park Service accomplish more, faster and to a higher standard that we could do with federal funding alone.”

This expansion of VVMF’s maintenance partnership is an example of the government and three different nonprofits all working together for the benefit of our veterans, our visitors and the public at large.

In the spring, VVMF replaced one of the eight trees surrounding the Vietnam Women’s Memorial plaza – one for each of the eight women listed on The Wall.  The tree died two years ago.  The conservator who does quarterly work on the Three Servicemen Statue has cleaned and finished the patina on the statue at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and will do so on a regular basis going forward.  Curb stones that have settled around the plaza are being scheduled for repair.

“We want the Vietnam Women’s Memorial to be in the best shape possible as we all commemorate its dedication 30 years ago on Veterans Day and honor the service of all our women Vietnam veterans.  Most Vietnam veterans already assume VVMF is responsible for the care and preservation at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.  This change makes it official!” said Knotts.

Eastern National will retain responsibility for programs at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial including their storytelling events on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. November 2023 will mark the 30^th anniversary for the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and plans are underway for commemorative events including the annual Veterans Day Observance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org.

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