Iowa

The Iowa State Vietnam memorial is located on grounds of the beautiful State Capitol building. Located at 1007 E. Grand Ave in Des Moines, the memorial is to the right and behind the building.

Built in 1984 the semi circular memorial is meant to surround the visitor as they gaze at the 869 names and their own reflection in the polished stone. The names are listed in alphabetical order for ease in finding any particular one. The site is said to be "like the Wall, but different." It is meant to be more approachable, intimate, and less overpowering. I read that there were names added after the fact on plaques but I did not see them when I visited. Also, there is a Field Cross (inverted rifle, helmet) and all service insignias on the reverse of the memorial. It was too over grown to be able to get a good picture.

There is a nice story that the creator of the monument, Tim Salisbury, donated the prize money he won for his design to the memorial fund.

From Des Moines the next site is in Red Oak.