Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC honors over 58,000 US military personnel who died or went missing during the Vietnam War. Initially controversial, the memorial's minimalist design by Maya Lin was criticized but later accepted. It became a place of healing for veterans and families, marking a shift in how America remembers its war dead. The memorial is now known as 'the wall that heals' for its therapeutic impact on veterans.

What was the initial public reaction to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial design?

• It was widely celebrated.

• It was ignored by the public.

• It was considered a masterpiece.

• It was criticized and called the 'black gash of shame'.

Who won the design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?

• A team of military veterans

• A famous architect

• A renowned artist

• A 21-year-old Yale student, Maya Lin

What was a major criticism of Maya Lin's design for the Memorial?

• It was too colorful.

• It was too small.

• It was too traditional.

• It lacked ornamentation.

How did the Vietnam Veterans Memorial change the way America remembers its war dead?

• It introduced a celebratory style.

• It used classical architecture.

• It focused on glorifying military victories.

• It shifted to a more somber and reflective approach.

What effect does visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial have on veterans, according to a 2010 study?

• It makes them feel more isolated.

• It increases their stress levels.

• It has no effect on them.

• It helps them cope with post-traumatic stress.