Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. It is a nonprofit organization established to build a national memorial dedicated to the American servicemen and women who served in the Vietnam War. Founded by a wounded Vietnam War veteran, its primary mission was realized with the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. The organization continues to maintain the memorial and has expanded its mission to include educational initiatives and the sponsorship of related commemorative projects.

History and founding

The organization was incorporated on April 27, 1979, following a determined effort by its founder, Jan Scruggs, a former infantry corporal who had served with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Deeply affected by his experiences and the poor reception of veterans upon their return to the United States, Scruggs was inspired by the film The Deer Hunter to push for a lasting tribute. He enlisted the support of fellow veterans like Robert Doubek and John Wheeler III, forming a core team to champion the cause. Their proposal gained crucial early backing from powerful figures such as Senator John Warner of Virginia and Charles Mathias, a senator from Maryland, who helped secure the memorial's site through the National Park Service and the United States Congress.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The organization's seminal achievement is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated on November 13, 1982. The centerpiece is the iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, designed by Maya Lin, which lists the names of over 58,000 service members killed or missing in action. The memorial site was later expanded to include Frederick Hart's figurative sculpture, The Three Soldiers, and the Vietnam Women's Memorial, designed by Glenna Goodacre. Located in Constitution Gardens on the National Mall, the memorial is administered by the National Park Service and has become one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital, profoundly impacting the nation's process of reconciliation after the divisive Vietnam War.

Fundraising and design competition

To finance the project, a massive public fundraising campaign was launched, relying entirely on private donations from individuals, corporations, and veterans' groups, with no federal funds used for construction. A pivotal moment was a significant early donation from Ross Perot. Concurrently, the organization held an open national design competition in 1980, overseen by a jury of renowned architects and artists. The competition received 1,421 submissions, and the unanimous winning entry was submitted by then-Yale University undergraduate student Maya Lin. Her minimalist design, though initially controversial, was vigorously defended by the organization and its supporters against criticism from some political figures and veterans' organizations.

Education and outreach programs

Beyond stewardship of the physical memorial, the organization runs extensive educational programs to teach younger generations about the Vietnam War and its legacy. Its flagship initiative is the Echoes From The Wall curriculum, which provides lesson plans and resources to schools nationwide. The organization also maintains the Virtual Wall and a comprehensive online database, allowing global access to the memorial's roster. Outreach efforts include hosting ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, as well as supporting the annual Father's Day Rose Remembrance ceremony at the memorial site in Washington, D.C..

Related memorials and projects

Building on its success, the organization has been instrumental in supporting the creation of other memorials. It provided critical early support and fundraising guidance for the Vietnam Women's Memorial, dedicated in 1993. The organization also played a foundational role in the effort to build the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated in 2014. Furthermore, it has been a key advocate and partner in the ongoing project to establish the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall, continuing its mission to honor all generations of American veterans.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Virginia Category:Vietnam War memorials in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1979