Vietnam Veterans Memorial, War memorial at Chicago Riverwalk, United States.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Chicago is a war memorial along the Chicago Riverwalk dedicated to those who fell. A rectangular fountain basin with stone walls bears the names of approximately 2,936 soldiers from Illinois who died during the Vietnam War.
An original memorial was established in 1982 to honor those who died in the conflict. The current version was dedicated in 2005 and incorporated stones from the earlier structure into its plaza design.
The names of fallen soldiers from Illinois are inscribed into the stone, making it a place where visitors encounter individual remembrance. The memorial serves as a personal point of reflection where each name carries a story of service.
The location along the Riverwalk is easily accessible and open to visitors. The inscriptions are readable up close, and the surroundings offer space for quiet reflection.
The artist Gary Tillery, himself a Vietnam veteran, created this work and brought his personal experience directly into the design. His background as a service member shapes how the memorial speaks to those who visit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
