The Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial is in beautiful Washington Park.
The Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial is 10 minutes west of Portland's downtown at Washington Park. You can drive up there, or take the MAX light rail from downtown Portland to the Washington Park Station.
This beautiful memorial is dedicated to Oregonians who served in the Vietnam War, with a striking black granite wall displaying the names of those who perished. It's a serene place, with lovely rolling lawns and evergreen trees.
It's also within short walking distance of other popular attractions at Washington Park, including the Oregon Zoo, Portland Childrens Museum and World Forestry Center. Drive or take the park bus another 5 minutes to get to the Portland Japanese Garden and Rose Garden.
The memorial is at 4000 Southwest Canyon Road Portland, Oregon 97221.
5 interesting things about the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1. The idea came from five veterans, and the parents of a fallen marine in Vietnam.
After returning from a ceremony for the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. in 1982, they began gathering funds and choosing the site for an Oregon memorial, and after many years the memorial was finally dedicated in 1987.
2. Visitors can stroll along a 1,200 foot spiral shaped path that ascends the hill.
3. There are six granite walls that display the names of deceased or missing Oregon soldiers during the Vietnam War.
The granite walls also convey important information about each year of the Vietnam War, providing historical context to world events.
4. Gorgeous maple trees mark the entrance to the memorial.
5. You can walk to other popular attractions from the memorial, like the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, and Wildwood Trail.
Know before you go
- Address: 4000 Southwest Canyon Road Portland, Oregon 97221.
- Public Transport: MAX light rail from downtown Portland, to the Washington Park Station.
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