Research Based Analysis of the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Name Institutional Affiliation Instructor Course Date Vietnam Veterans Memorial Introduction The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC represents much more than just a monument—it stands for remembrance, reflection, and healing. Since 1982, the memorial’s fundamental shape and inclusion attitude have caused deep deliberation and cooperation (Fisher, 2023). The memorial defies traditional perceptions of heroism and bravery with its austere black granite walls inscribed with nearly 58,000 of the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in battle. The memorial invites visitors to get in touch with their emotions, which urges them to reflect on the purpose and implications of the war in a profoundly personal and contemplative way. Along with paying tribute to the veterans, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial provides an environment for contemplation and healing (Watkins et al., 2010). The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed in a minimalist manner with a reflective surface, modernizes and calls into question conventional interpretations of war memorials, thus promoting a conversation about the complexity of and consequences caused by wars. Minimalism Design Effects The following are images of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is the primary focus of this paper: Figures Vietnam Veterans Memorial The art piece represents the move from traditional to modern art. Maya Lin and David Osler brought something new to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial's design, inconsistent with the traditional architectural style used in war memorials (Valbuena Mesa, 2023). The piece relies on the imagination and skills of the audience to show this contrast between the splendour and the figurative statues. It allows the viewers to interpret the art as they best fit based on their understanding of the war and soldiers' sacrifice. This monument is a set-up for two slabs of black granite, with the original design being one hundred twenty-five degrees angled and submerged in earth. Names of the at least 58,000 soldiers killed or went missing while fighting for their sanctions are written on the walls (Ackerman, 2023). The names of the causalities are capped with the event's date. The art reminds the audience of the devastating loss and sacrifice. It allows the viewers to have a more personal and reflexive relationship with the memorial. The art invokes reflection and remembrance. The memorial's design enhances the overall ambiance around the site, evoking a sense of collective mourning and remembrance. The atmosphere creates a feeling of collective mourning and recollection (Fisher, 2023). For the immersive aspect, guests can see their reflections next to the names of the dead due to the polished black granite surfaces. The border between the past and the present is blurred because the names on the wall are reflected by the viewer and, at the same time, refracted by the person in front of the wall. The aim is to make each person reflect on their lives, establish its shortness, and live a life where they positively impact others, similar to the soldiers. This cross-link between the past and the present is achieved with increased awareness of the consequences that have lasting effects on both private lives and society. Ackerman (2023) notes that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial's design leaves a space for personal connection. Lin and Osler's design, in contrast to traditional monuments, which frequently feature heroic individuals or scenes of triumph, emphasizes the uniqueness and humanity of each soldier. Visitors are urged to touch and trace the names to cultivate a tactile connection beyond simple observation. Visitors can build a personal link with the past through this intimate encounter with the memorial, which allows them to commemorate the memory of those who have passed away in a very personal manner. The piece is a symbol of healing and reconciliation. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known for its minimalistic style and reverence for personal relations, symbolizes harmony and reconciliation. The memorial offers a venue for veterans to share their memories, the families of the victims to tell their stories, and anyone else involved with the tragedy to confront the trauma of war (Watkins et al., 2010). In this way, the memorial contributes to the process of...