The tall slabs of black granite that form part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., are engraved with the names of more than 58,000 American men and women who died as a result of the Vietnam War, which ended 50 years ago on April 30.
Visitors can rub a pencil over a small strip of paper, which memorial guides provide for free, to create a dark gray image of a person’s name to take home.
Some visitors, however, choose to leave something of their own behind.
War medals and decorations.
Photos.
Dog tags.
Stuffed animals.
Flowers.
Death notices.
Since its dedication in 1982, visitors to “the Wall,” as it is often called, have left treasured keepsakes there in honor of friends and family whose names are carved into the stone and gilded with gold leaf.
These are deeply personal acts, usually made quietly and without fanfare.
Have you have ever left anything at the memorial? If so, I would be honored if you would share your story with me to help The New York Times commemorate the war’s end.
I’ll read every response to this questionnaire and reach back out to you if we decide to highlight your story. I won’t publish any part of your response without following up with you first, verifying your information and hearing back from you. And I won’t share your contact information outside The Times.
