The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial overlooks the state Capitol and honors the 125,000 Kentuckians who served this nation during the Vietnam era (1962-1975).
More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives during the conflict. Among that number, 1,109 were Kentuckians. Thousands of those who served were wounded in action and hundreds are still listed as missing in action (MIA).
The memorial is open every day of the year and holds special ceremonies on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day. Since opening in November 1988, it has become one of the most visited landmarks in the Commonwealth.
The memorial was built through the leadership, resolve, and perseverance of Vietnam Veterans at a time when many people were deaf to the need for such a tribute. A few members of the General Assembly, the Executive Branch and the National Guard also believed in and supported the project. The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation (KVVMF) is a non-profit 501(C)3 corporation that maintains the memorial and grounds. No taxpayer dollars were used to build or maintain this site. The site was leased to the KVVMF “in perpetuity” by the Commonwealth.
