Purpose of the Garden

The purpose of this garden is to create a symbolic journey beginning from the Pacific Northwest to South East Asia.

Enter the garden and honor those who served.

Contributions and the Honor Brick Program

Garden Factsheet (PDF)

Tour of the Garden

Your Journey along the path begins with several mature Douglas fir trees, rhododendrons, and flowerings, symbolically representing the Pacific Northwest, the place where many veterans embarked on their tour of duty.

Continue along the path, winding through dense plantings of various bamboo trees, coupled with ground covers symbolically representing the rice paddy fields and villages of Vietnam, the veteran’s entry into South East Asia.

The trail then leads to a viewing post, back home, where a 360° observatory of both areas becomes a place for reflective thought, remembrance and healing.

Finally, the honors trail leads you to a brick plaza, with a reflective dish that extends appreciation and remembrance to all Vietnam veterans.

As you leave the garden, “Pass Through With Honor.”

The Dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial Garden was November 15, 2002. Once a year additional bricks will be added to the garden.

Gustave & Lore Baak

This garden was made possible by a generous donation from Gustave and Lore Baak. Please visit the Friends of the Garden area and read the plaque inscribed in their honor. In Mrs. Baak’s own words,

“The defense of one’s home nation is a heroic goal and these young men and women who engage in the fight for freedom without any resistance and hesitation are in need of special attention. Reaching my hand out to these young heroes to say thank you is also something very special for me.”