9781422287590

11 The Wall that Heals

many cases, allowed veterans to reflect, to remember lost friends, and to heal psychological wounds. While the memorial originally was meant to honor those who served in the military, it has come to have a profound impact on even those with no connection to the Vietnam War. Few visitors are left untouched by the symbolism of the memorial. The thousands of interna- tional visitors may know little about the Vietnam War and the United States’ involvement in that conflict, but often they too are awestruck by the memorial. Young people also visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The connection for them varies, much as it does for adults. Many young people come to see the name of a relative—perhaps a parent or grandparent. These children have grown up recognizing the relevance of the memorial because the Vietnam War impacted some member of their family. For these children the role of the memorial is obvious. However, most children who visit do not possess such a personal connection. In the minds of many young people today, the Vietnam War is ancient history.

Text-Dependent Questions When was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated? Why was it nicknamed “The Wall that Heals?” Research Project View a map of the original plan for the streets of Washington, D.C., at this Library of Congress exhibition: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/tri001.html. Then, compare the map to a current map of the city. How has the city grown and changed? How closely does the current layout follow the original plan?