Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Middle Branch Park, Baltimore, Maryland

The Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission was formed as a result of unanimous approval of Joint Resolution 22 of the Acts of 1983 which provided that a Commission would be formed to design and erect a Memorial for those Maryland citizens who lost their lives, were missing and for those who served in Vietnam. The Memorial was dedicated May 28, 1989.

Considerable effort was made to find a suitable location for the memorial. Eventually, a site in the Middle Branch Park in Baltimore was chosen unanimously by the Commission. The Middle Branch Park provides a contemplative setting overlooking the Patapsco River and has ease of access through local transportation facilities.

The Memorial is a ring of stone with a granite wall upon which is inscribed the 1046 names of those who lost their lives in Vietnam. The names of those 35 men who remain missing are also inscribed on the stone. The Memorial features two 45-foot flag poles flying both the flag of the United States and our Maryland State flag with the POW-MIA flag flying under it. Immediately outside the Memorial ring are 16 "spires" which represent the Vietnam years from 1959 to 1975. The three and one-half acre Memorial site is enhanced further by groves of trees and greenery.

At the entrance of two walkways leading to the Memorial are flower beds which hold blooming plants to add color. Every effort was made in the planning of the Memorial to ensure that visitors would have a feeling, of reverence for those whose service to our nation is honored.

The Memorial became a reality due to the efforts of many Marylanders. A group of Vietnam veterans identifying themselves as "The Last Patrol" conducted walks throughout the State. One walk began in Oakland (Garrett County) and concluded - 365 miles later - in Ocean City (Worcester County). A second walk was made from the extreme tip of St. Mary's County to Annapolis. These walks attracted significant attention and support for the Memorial.

Construction of the Memorial began in October, 1988.

Prior to the start of construction, a major effort was launched to identify those whose names were to be placed on the Memorial. Over 700 next of kin were contacted. The list of names to be inscribed grew from 1009 names to the 1046 now listed alphabetically on the Memorial.

In addition to the financial contributions of corporations, and citizens, the Maryland General Assembly provided funds equaling $2,250,000 for the construction of the Memorial, thus making the Memorial a contribution from all citizens of Maryland as a tribute to all Marylanders who served in Vietnam.