2023: Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The next stop on our tour of Washington, D.C., was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a place of solemn reflection and deep gratitude. The memorial, designed by Maya Lin and completed in 1982, honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. Its black granite wall, engraved with the names of over 58,000 service members who died or remain missing in action, powerfully conveys the human cost of war. The polished surface of the wall reflects those who stand before it, creating a poignant connection between past and present. Nearby, the Three Soldiers statue and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial pay tribute to the diversity and humanity of those who served, making this a space for healing, remembrance, and gratitude.
For this scrapbook spread, I chose green as the theme to echo the vibrant grass in the photos, complementing the somber tones of the memorial. On the left-hand side, I included a pocket to hold the Vietnam Veterans Memorial brochure, topped with a graphic of the wall that I designed and cut using Cricut Design Space. I also created and added the Vietnam Service Ribbon as a meaningful accent.
The top photo on the right side holds personal significance, as it shows me pointing to the name of a friend of my father’s who lost his life in the Vietnam War. I purchased the graphic on the right on Etsy, and cut it out using my Cricut Maker.
To reflect the stark simplicity of the memorial, I used a dark green straight-edged border, keeping the design clean and powerful. This spread, with its thoughtful details and personal connections, serves as both a tribute and a way to preserve the experience of visiting this profound landmark.
MASCrapping 