Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The first memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1982, by Governor John Spellman. A group of veterans soon began lobbying for a new memorial that would better honor those who lost their lives in Vietnam. 

Fundraising for this project was such a success that the $178,000 cost of construction was funded entirely by private donors. A total of 1,466 individuals, groups, and corporations donated money. Shortly before the widely attended dedication ceremony on Memorial Day in 1987, the memorial committee returned the money that had been donated by the state government.

Inscriptions

The memorial is inscribed with the names of 1,124 state residents killed or missing and the following words:

Washington State Vietnam Veterans Memorial

To all my brothers and sisters who made it back, but never made it home. In memory of those who have died from physical and emotional wounds received while serving in the Vietnam War. We honor and recognize their pain and suffering, but above all we respect the courage of these Washington State residents. When our country called, you were there. We have not forgotten, you are not alone. 

You Now Rest in Glory.