Oregon

803 names are forever listed here in Washington Park. Located at Portland's Hoyt Arboretum, this beautiful and dignified site grew out of a desire to remember, after a visit by some vets to The Wall in D.C. It took a number of years, but the site was finally dedicated in 1987.

The area is a little bigger than three acres and consists of a segmented wall on which all the names of the lost and the missing are honored. A circular path leads one past each section. An interesting feature is that on the sections of wall, along with the names, is a time line of what was going on in 'Nam and what was going on at home. It is a very interesting and, at times, enlightening read. You forget, sometimes, all that happened in those tumultuous years.

There is a group of Pear Trees symbolizing life at the entrance and water features signify hope, purity and , once again, life. The site is meticulously tended by those who built it and volunteers. Some of the volunteers have come every year since the beginning. One, in particular, spends up to 12 hours a week just weeding, pruning, etc.