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Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Art & landmarks
In Springfield, Illinois
0.6 mi from Route 66

The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL, less than a mile off the old road. Dedicated in 1988, it honors the 2,970 people from Illinois killed or missing in the Vietnam War. An eternal flame at its heart and walls of names around it make it a quiet, moving stop in the state capital, right beside the Korean War Memorial.

What is Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial?

At the center burns an eternal flame, held up by five upright walls of gray granite, one for each branch of the armed services. Black granite walls carved with the names of the dead and missing spread outward from it. The memorial is a state historic site looked after by the state's historic preservation agency.

History of Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The memorial was dedicated in 1988. Vigils and memorial services are held here every year: on the first full May weekend, on Memorial Day and on the first Saturday in December. Visiting on one of those dates lets you see the site in use as a place of remembrance.

Visiting Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial: tips

Allow 15 to 20 minutes. There is parking, and the site is wheelchair accessible and suitable for kids. The Korean War Memorial is right next to it and the state's World War II memorial about 0.1 mile away, so the three are easy to see in one visit. The Camp Lincoln Commissary Building is about 0.3 mile off.

Practical info

Address: 1500 Monument Ave, W Oak Ridge St, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: +1 217-782-2717
Website: state.il.us/hpa/hs/vietnam_memorial.htm
Hours: We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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Diner & restaurant
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, IL · 3.7 mi from Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A Springfield diner dating from 1992, handy for a meal while exploring the Illinois capital on Route 66.
Diner & restaurant
Cozy Dog Drive In
Springfield, IL · 4.0 mi from Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A Springfield drive-in known for its cornmeal-battered Cozy Dogs, Route 66 memorabilia and guest book.