Vietnam Veterans' Monument in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Original Pittsburgh Vietnam Memorial

Pittsburgh North Shore - Vietnam Memorial

The memorial stands just above the north shoreline of the
Allegheny River between the Pirates and Steelers stadiums
(the former 3 Rivers Stadium is in the background)

Statues within the memorial

Under the lotus-shaped canopy are two groups
of statues representing veterans returning from
the Vietnam War to their families:

The first is a veteran in jungle fatigues
approaching his mother who has her arms
extended (center) for a welcome home embrace.

The second is a veteran reuniting with his wife who
is holding their small child in her arms (right).

North Shore Vietnam War Memorial near PNC PARK and HEINZ FIELD

Vietnam Veterans' Monument

The canopy covering the statues is taken from the shape of a hibiscus flower pod, an Asiatic symbol of rebirth and regeneration, symbolizing the warrior's return to peace to begin the journey of healing the scars of war.

On the ceiling of the canopy are wind chimes, signifying prayers for the dead each time they chime.

The configuration of the statues is symbolic of the welcome home that veterans have historically treasured.

The inscription in Vietnamese and English reflects the veteran's desire for peace - from war and within themselves.

The monument is offered as a daily reminder that our veterans, living and dead, are not and will not be forgotten.

Redesign Phase
2001

Pittsburgh Vietnam Memorial during riverfront construction

Memorial during riverfront renovation - April 2001

Dedication plaque

Pittsburgh Plaque

Welcome home to proud men and women

We begin now to fulfill promises
To remember the past
To look to the future

We begin now to complete the final process
Not to make political statements
Not to offer explanations
Not to debate realities

Monuments are erected so that the future
might remember the past

Warriors die and live and die

Let the Historians answer the political questions

Those who served -- served
Those who gave all -- live in our hearts
Those who are left -- continue to give

As long as we remember --

There is still some love left.

T.J. McGarvey

Verse on the dedication plaque
Verse written by T.J. McGarvey, the veteran
who spearheaded the Pittsburgh memorial,
are inscribed on a wall mounted plaque

Rededication Ceremony June 23, 2002
	The new 'Heinz Field' can be seen to the rear of the memorial
Mount Washington across the confluence of the three rivers
	The rededicated memorial blends nicely with the new riverwalk park stretching between Heinz Field and PNC Park
Looking up the Allegheny River toward PNC Park
	Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy spoke at the rededication ceremony
T.J. McGarvey addresses the Sunday morning crowd
	Pat Conroy inspires the crowd with his thoughtful remarks
'TAPS'
	Welcome Home
VIETNAM VETERANS' MONUMENT Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Locating the Memorial The Vietnam Veterans' Monument is located on North Shore Drive in the city of Pittsburgh, PA, between Heinz Field and PNC Park, on the north shore of the Allegheny River Click here for written directions from MapQuest Use 100 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA for your destination address
	This page is dedicated to all the men and women who served in the Vietnam War
In memory of: Raymond B. Penn, Jr. Fighting Fifteenth
LINKS Pittsburgh Vietnam Memorials homepage Pittsburgh - Ross Street - 'Black Granite' Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania