To commemorate the three hundred eighty-five (385) men and women from seven countries in the metropolitan area who lost their lives or were missing in action during the Vietnam War, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial was proposed by the General Assembly in 1983 and was dedicated in 1987. A fountain was likewise constructed based on the city’s tradition.

In order to have a wide array of choices for the proposed fountain, a design competition was organized in 1982 where over fifty local artists had joined. David Baker’s design who is a Vietnam veteran stood out and won the competition. Baker was able to memorialize a war that was not popular with much of the country while still respecting those who had given their lives. Rather than taking a particular position, the fountain illustrates the entire event. The fountain design was viewed as a symbol of mending the division caused within the country because of the water’s ability to cleanse and heal.

The fountain features a series of rectangular interconnected pools going from smaller at the top of the hill (south) to larger at the lower end of the hill. These represent the growing US involvement and investment in the war. The water spills into two (2) distinct pools at the lower end, looking like wall fountains symbolizing the split opinions of the US citizens over US involvement in the war. At night, you will be moved by looking at the fountain with its underwater lights which shines the water cascading from pool to pool. The fountain was dedicated in December 16, 1985 and it has become a traditional gathering spot for events held on Memorial Day.

In addition to the fountain, the main feature of the memorial is the 10 feet by 155 feet wall inscribed with the names of those killed or missing in action. The names on the wall are flanked by representations of the Vietnam Service medal on the left and the Purple Heart medal on the right. The $1.3 million needed for the construction of the building was raised through private donations. It was the Parks Department which donated the land for the memorial fountain to be located at 43rd and Broadway near the Country Club Plaza.