The Vietnam War was one of the signal events of the last half of the 20th century. It was controversial, and the controversy continued long after the war ended.
The Vietnam Memorial Wall itself was the subject of much debate. When the design was unveiled, many felt it was not "monumental" enough, but, since its unveiling, it has become an icon, a fitting and moving memorial to the more than 58,000 American military personnel who died during the war.
