Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Little Rock

The Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the 662 Arkansans who lost their lives or went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Located on the southeast corner of the Arkansas State Capitol grounds at 6th and Woodlane in Little Rock, the memorial is a significant site of remembrance and reflection.

Dedicated on March 7, 1987, in a ceremony attended by retired U.S. Army General William C. Westmoreland, the memorial consists of a circular granite wall inscribed with the names of the fallen. A striking bronze statue of an infantryman, designed by John Deering, was added later that year on November 11, Veterans Day. The statue stands on a base inscribed with the names of the five branches of the U.S. military, symbolizing the unity of service members who fought in Vietnam.

As one of the earliest state capitol-based Vietnam War memorials in the country, the site continues to serve as a gathering place for veterans, families, and visitors, particularly on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when commemorative ceremonies are held. Surrounding the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial are several other monuments honoring service members and historical events, including the Monument to Confederate Soldiers, the Liberty Bell replica, and the Arkansas Medal of Honor Memorial.

The Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the enduring gratitude of a state for those who served.