Texas Vietnam Soldiers with Huey Helicopter

Have questions about the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument?  We’ve answered some of the most common here, and we hope you’ll the information you need on our site, but if we’ve left something out, please contact us.

While you’re here, we hope you’ll join our Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Community by signing up for our newsletter.  And be sure to join us on Facebook.

Why a monument to Vietnam War Veterans?

 During the 1960s and early 1970s, Texas sent thousands to serve in the Vietnam War in every branch of the military.  Only California sent more.  Of those who served, 3,415 made the ultimate sacrifice and 107 remain Missing In Action.  Today an estimated half million Vietnam veterans call Texas home.  The State of Texas wants to ensure that every one who served, and every family who sacrificed, is honored in perpetuity, just as are Texas veterans of other wars.

Why a Capitol monument?

 In May 2005, during the 79th Regular Session, the Texas Legislature authorized construction of a Vietnam War monument on the Capitol grounds to honor the 3,415 Texans who died and to recognize the contributions and sacrifice of countless other Texas men and women who “demonstrated courage and dignity in that conflict.” The location of a monument on the Capitol grounds demonstrates the Lone Star State’s recognition that Vietnam veterans deserve equal tribute as that given to veterans of other wars.  The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument will be seen by hundreds of thousands of Capitol visitors every year.

Where will the monument be located?

 The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument will take its place at the symbolic center of Texas government on the northeast side of the statehouse grounds, joining monuments that honor the Heroes of the Alamo, Confederate Soldiers, and veterans of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, among others.

When will the monument be dedicated?

 The monument is tentatively scheduled for dedication in the fall of 2013. A Groundbreaking Ceremony will take place March 24 and 25, 2013.

What is the monument design?

 The bronze Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument – created with input from the war’s veterans – is carefully crafted by artist Duke Sundt to incorporate important symbols that represent both the war and those who fought it.  It will be the first monument on the Capitol grounds to reflect the ethnic diversity of Texas’ culture, and is designed to capture the service of American troops in the Vietnam War by emphasizing the common “Dawn Patrol” experience of combat infantry troops.  A stone pediment of the same granite used in the Capitol itself will feature bas-relief panels of several other significant symbols of the war. More information can be found on the Monument Design page of our website.

How many Texans served in the Vietnam War?

 Though reliable statistics about the exact number of Texans who left the state for Vietnam service are unavailable, the Texas Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that a half million Vietnam veterans reside in the state.  The monument will honor all Texas Vietnam veterans and civilians who served and sacrificed.

What is “The Living Monument”?

 The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument will be more than a statue.  With help from modern technology, it will also be a “Living Monument” designed to provide opportunities for Texans and Texas students to learn more about the Vietnam War.  The Monument’s website will include stories, photographs, and video profiles of Texas Vietnam veterans, and an educational curriculum “Texas in the Vietnam War” will be developed for Texas schools.

What is the cost?

The estimate has yet to be finalized.

How will the monument be maintained?

 Included in the Monument budget are funds to maintain the Monument with the actual maintenance handled by the Texas Historical Society.

How is the monument funded?

 The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument is funded primarily by individual, foundation, veteran and civic organization and corporate donations.  Beginning September 1, 2011, the Texas State Historical Commission will match every dollar donated, up to a total of $500,000.

Who is the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument Committee?

 The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument Committee comprises of several Vietnam veteran volunteers who are working to raise the necessary funds to build the monument.  The committee is chaired by Mr. Robert Floyd.

How can I help?

 We need your help to build the monument.  Tax-deductible donations are matched 100% up to $500,000 by the Texas State Historical Commission.  Please visit our Hold a Fundraiser page to find everything you need to raise funds in your community.  We also need your help collecting educational assets about Texas veterans. And please help us spread the word so that every Texas veteran knows about this tribute.

How can I stay informed about the Monument’s progress?

Sign up for the TCVVM newsletter and be sure to Like Us on Facebook. We’ll keep you up-to-date on all the news and construction and fundraising updates. And be sure to visit the Interactive Texas Map to see what’s new in Veterans’ Stories.