Program:
Memorial Maintenance
- Budget:
-
$118,588
- Category:
-
Arts, Culture & Humanities
- Population Served:
-
Adults
-
Children Only (5 - 14 years)
-
Military/Veterans
Program Description:
This memorial, commonly referred to as The Wall, was dedicated in 1982 was built with the goal of bringing national healing and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. It has been more impactful than anyone could have ever imagined, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund works jointly with the National Parks Service to maintain this memorial. VVMF also works with the Department of Defense to make additions to the memorial, including name additions.
For more information on VVMF's work with the memorial, visit our website at http://vvmf.org/memorial
Program Long-Term Success:
The Memorial has been visited by more than 80 million people (4 million people annually), making it one of the most visited memorials on the National Mall. The significance this memorial has on its visitors is different for each person (veteran, tourist, and child), and the impact of these visits, while meaningful, is different and immeasurable. VVMF has worked to confirm the beauty and tranquility of the memorial is preserved so the millions of visitors still coming, have the same opportunity to have those unique and emotional experiences.
Program Short-Term Success:
Last year, VVMF worked to restore some of the original beauty of the memorial lost over time. Thanks to generous supporters the 4.6 million people who visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, were able to see the 3 Servicemen Statue with restored color.
Also, VVMF was able to add 6 names to The Wall, bringing closure to 6 more families and countless loved ones.
Program Success Monitored by:
The care and needs of the memorial are monitored by VVMF, National Parks Service, and volunteers. The name additions are determined by the Department of Defense.
Program Success Examples:
Since 1982, the Department of Defense has determined over 200 names were eligible to be added to The Wall. VVMF has added all these names with the same ceremony and care as the original names, bringing closure to 200 veterans family and friends
Program:
Ceremonies
- Budget:
-
$290,638
- Category:
-
Arts, Culture & Humanities
- Population Served:
-
Military/Veterans
-
Adults
-
Youth/Adolescents only (14 - 19 years)
Program Description:
VVMF hosts six annual ceremonies at The Wall that garner national attention, and draw thousands of people to The Wall to remember and honor those whose names are on The Wall, other men and women who died as a result of the war whose names aren’t on the wall, and the sacrifices of the family and friends left at home.
For more information on VVMF's work with the memorial, visit our website at http://vvmf.org/Ceremonies
Program Long-Term Success:
These ceremonies have had a huge impact in raising raises awareness, honoring veterans and their families, educating Americans, and inspiring civic responsibility.
Program Short-Term Success:
With every ceremony, fallen are remembered, veterans are honored, families are brought closure, and future generations are educated on the impacts of so many sacrifices.
Program Success Monitored by:
Programs are monitored by the number of attendees, feedback from volunteers and supporters, and the National Park Service.
Program Success Examples:
Each of these ceremonies draws people from different states and with a different connection to the memorial, and holds a special place in the healing process still necessary for those left behind. In a given year anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 attend these ceremonies, with over 10,000 participants attending last year.
Program:
The Wall That Heals
- Budget:
-
$198,658
- Category:
-
Arts, Culture & Humanities
- Population Served:
-
Military/Veterans
-
Adults
-
Children Only (5 - 14 years)
Program Description:
VVMF promotes healing and provides education about the impact of the Vietnam War through its traveling memorial called The Wall that Heals
(TWTH). TWTH is a 1/2 scale replica of The Wall sent to communities nationwide, making it possible for millions of individuals who are unable to travel to Washington, DC to recognize, remember and honor those who served and died. TWTH also includes an educational museum to inspire and enhance Vietnam War Era education in schools.The museum is a small scale of a unique, interactive educational experience that will be used in the Education Center at The Wall.
For more information about TWTH please visit our website at http://vvmf.org/twth
Program Long-Term Success:
At every stop in TWTH 12 years , new visitors are able to find closure by visiting their loved ones name on The Wall, and able to share their stories, and remember the sacrifice, preserving the legacies of the brave men and women on The Wall.
Program Short-Term Success:
The museum helps in VVMF’s mission of educating, and works as an invaluable tool to school teachers. Many teachers take their classrooms to the museum for a more developed, hands-on approach to their curriculum on the Vietnam War Era.
Program Success Monitored by:
The need for TWTH is exhibited through the continued high attendance and requests from communities to host TWTH.
Program Success Examples:
Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has visited more than 300 cities and towns throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial's healing legacy to millions. In 2011, "The Wall That Heals" visited 30 communities and hosted over 257,000 visitors.
Program:
National Eduation Programs
- Budget:
-
$224,388
- Category:
-
Education
- Population Served:
-
Youth/Adolescents only (14 - 19 years)
-
Children Only (5 - 14 years)
-
Adults
Program Description:
In an effort to increase the number of students in secondary education learning about the Vietnam War, VVMF created a teaching guide. The guide features a teachers' guide, two posters, two books, a video and a war chronology provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and, VVMF distributes this guide to teachers and educators throughout the nation.
For more information on VVMF's education programs please visit our website at http://vvmf.org/vvmf-education
Program Long-Term Success:
The materials and outreach done through the education program provides students with historical information about the Vietnam War as well as an understanding of leadership, citizenship and character.
Program Short-Term Success:
This multifaceted curriculum has expanded and evolved since 1998. VVMF has added more grade specific activities to the curriculum, and, in 2002, created the Teach Vietnam Teachers Network. Members of the Network serve as ambassadors of VVMF’s curriculum throughout the U.S. There are currently over 300 ambassadors raising awareness of the materials that VVMF.
Program Success Monitored by:
The program received high marks from U.S. educators and earned endorsements from many national and state organizations, including the National Council for the Social Studies and the Illinois State Board of Education, as well as support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It also gained recognition through programs on CNN coinciding with Veterans Day 1998 and articles in USA Today, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Washington Times and VFW Magazine, among others.
Program Success Examples:
Since 2008, a full time staff member has continued development of the material and distributed over 500 guides to 47 different states. In 2010 alone, 95 guides were sent to 91 schools in 38 states.