(Open to the Public 7 days a week. No Reservation Required)
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 Veterans whose names are listed on this memorial fought and died for the same values that inspired their ancestors since the Revolutionary War – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Honor and remember the fallen by visiting the memorial that overlooks the state Capitol. 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.
Group Visits & Field Trips
We welcome school, civic, Veteran and other groups to learn about the history and science that is incorporated in the memorial. We are open to the public and no reservations are required, unless you are requesting a KYVV Board Member at your visit.
The Design
Helm Roberts (1931-2011), a Lexington, KY, architect and Veteran, designed the memorial so every day is Memorial Day for a Kentucky Vietnam Veteran. It is a masterpiece of design, mathematics, history, honor and beauty. The blue-gray granite plaza of the memorial contains the names of 1,106 Kentucky citizens who died. Each name is precisely located so the shadow of the sundial pointer or gnomon touches each Veteran’s name on the anniversary of their death. Thus, each individual is honored with a personal tribute.
The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the largest granite memorials in the nation and contains 327 custom panels weighing more than 215 tons. The lettering of the names and dates is the same style used for official government grave markers throughout the nation, including Arlington National Cemetery.