The Vietnam War was the longest and most unpopular American war of the twentieth century. Still today people wonder if American involvement was even necessary. From 1945 to 1975, the Vietnamese war raged on.It began with Vietnam waging and anti-colonial was against France. When France was defeated, Vietnam became divided and by 1958, the Viet Cong had begun to battle the South Vietnamese government. American became involved, sending in 2,000 military advisors. By 1963 that number grew to 16,300. [1]
As time marched on more forces were sent to Vietnam, causing more casualties. This was turning Americans against the war.When Richard Nixon was voted into office, he advocated for a withdrawal from the war. Leaving south Vietnam to fight their battle. In January 1973, an agreement was reached; U.S. forces were withdrawn from Vietnam, and U.S.prisoners of war were released. In April 1975, South Vietnam surrendered to the North, and Vietnam was reunited. [2]
In May of 1988, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, was dedicated to those who served in Vietnam War. On the walls of the memorial are the names of the Illinois soldiers that died, are still missing, are prisoners of war, and the top decorated veterans in each branch of the military. Inscribed on the outer walls of the memorial is”TO THOSE WHO DIED HONOR AND ETERNAL REST, TO THOSE STILL IN BONDAGE REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE, AND TO THOSE WHO RETURNED GRATITUDE AND PEACE. [3]
1500 Monument Ave. – Oak Ridge Cemetery Springfield,IL 62702
Phone: 217-782-2717
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily: 7 am – 8 pm (April – August); 7 am – 5:30 pm (September – March)
Historical tour of Springfield Il. 