Reading of the Names at Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC

Paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a symbol of America's honor and recognition of the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. Inscribed on the black granite wall are the names of more than 58,000 who gave their lives or remain missing. This memorial is visited by over a million visitors annually who chose to come in person to see the names of those who dedicated to honor the "courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty and country" of all who answered the call to serve during the longest war in U.S. history.
For twenty-five years, since its dedication on November 13, 1982, The Wall has inspired us as a nation.
The Reading of the Names is an annual event where volunteers read the 58,000 names, with the entire event extending up to midnight. Each name means something to someone somewhere, which is why there is a congregation who attends, listens, prays and silently remembers the persons who laid the ultimate sacrifice. Young men & women who died in the prime of their life, fighting for the principles of freedom and democracy that continue to make our country the greatest in the world.