Best Memorial parks in United States

Whitey Lang Memorial Park on Anderson Avenue is one of those pop up places that just seems to appear out of the blue. It is wedged between two housing areas, and on initial observation, might easily be confused with being simply a part of a housing complex. It is a rather smallish playground with just a jungle gym, slides, and swings, with a baseball field used by Fort Lee Little League. There is ample shade here, and also a set of picnic tables for relaxing and enjoying.

Visiting the Vietnam War Memorial Wall was a deeply moving experience that left me with a profound sense of respect and reflection. The wall, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., stands as a poignant tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War.

Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the wall's design - a sleek, black granite surface that seems to stretch endlessly, bearing the engraved names of over 58,000 fallen soldiers. The simplicity of the design amplifies the emotional impact, allowing visitors to focus solely on the individual names that represent the stories and lives lost. The reflective quality of the stone seemed to draw me into a contemplative state, making it impossible not to pay homage to the sacrifices made.

The atmosphere around the memorial is respectful and somber, creating an environment conducive to introspection. Visitors leave behind tokens of remembrance, such as flowers, photographs, and handwritten notes, further humanizing the monument and connecting us to the past. It's a place of collective mourning, where the weight of history hangs heavy in the air.

One aspect that truly stands out is the dedication of the volunteers and park rangers present. They offer insights, share stories, and provide context about the war and its impact, enriching the experience and helping visitors understand the historical significance of the memorial. I found their presence invaluable in deepening my understanding of the war and the sacrifices made.

Visiting the Vietnam War Memorial Wall is a must for anyone interested in history, patriotism, or simply seeking a thought-provoking experience. It's a solemn reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who have served. I left the memorial with a renewed sense of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and a commitment to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us.

The Vietnam War Memorial Wall is a place of powerful reflection and remembrance. Its design, the emotions it evokes, and the stories it tells all combine to create an unforgettable visit. I highly recommend this solemn and meaningful destination to anyone looking to pay their respects and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

It’s a pretty spot for a memorial, however, the site is undergoing some construction and the names of those commemorated are not finished.

Outdoor Monument commemorate Japanese Internment. Very moving.
Parking easy.

Benjamin Banneker (November 9, 1731 – October 19, 1806) was an African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer and almanac author. A landowner, he also worked as a surveyor and farmer.

Born in Baltimore County, Maryland, to a free African-American mother and a father who had formerly been enslaved, Banneker had little or no formal education and was largely self-taught. He became known for assisting Major Andrew Ellicott in a survey that established the original borders of the District of Columbia, the federal capital district of the United States.

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Très bel endroit pour s'asseoir, se relaxer et profiter du calme.

Located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln memorial, on a parallel to the reflection pool, this is not to be missed, and is an essential part of the memory of American identity. Remembering the men who gave their lives to one of the U.S greatest military dedicated efforts, and one which changed history. This is not how I imagined the Vietnam War veterans memorial to look like, in fact it was much more than I expected.

I find this the most poignant of the war memorials around The Mall. Its simplicity makes it an eloquent tribute to the loss of all those whose names are inscribed on the walls, highlighting the loss of so many (primarily young) lives rather than entering into the debate over the war itself. This is a place of contemplation, moving and beautiful, which should certainly be visited by anyone who can.

A powerful and beautiful wall to commemorate the lives of those that fight that awful war. So many people mistreated so poorly. Sent off to fight a war for an ungrateful nation. But these men and women served their country with honor. And we should not forget. It is a must see and great memorial.

Beautiful building and the exhibits are very well done. Be sure to eat at the cafeteria where Native American food is served. Delicious!

When history stares you in the face...I wasn't ready. I wasn't read for the wave of emotions that rushed over me.

Reading the numbers of wounded, missing, and lives lost puts a lot of things in perspective. I truly believe everyone should make a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It's so easy to forget and dismiss the what we're not directly a part of.

Nice place to walk around and read those who played heroic acts during 911

Beautiful fountains in a quiet spot in an otherwise very busy area. Interesting history

This is a very unique and special memorial and the honorary service was conducted in a professional and superb manner. As a veteran, it holds a special place in my heart. God Bless America and God Bless our military and their families.

A very nice tribute to brave soldiers who were lost in the Vietnam War
The memorial is located on the National Mall, to the east of the Lincoln Memorial on the north side of the reflecting pool. It can be hard to find a parking space depending on the day and time that you visit and it is better appreciated in the daytime as lighting is limited at night. It consists of three main components: the Wall, the Three Soldiers statue, and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. The Wall is the centerpiece of the memorial and the most recognized feature. It is made of black granite and is composed of two distinct sections that meet at a 125-degree angle, forming a V shape. The Wall is inscribed with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who either died in the war or are listed as missing in action. The names are arranged chronologically according to the date of casualty, with no distinction made between rank or branch of service. The reflective surface of the polished black granite allows visitors to see their own reflections as they approach, creating a powerful and personal experience. I remember when they dedicated in 1982. Many did not appreciate its beauty but I think it is a very fitting tribute to the fallen and allows people to touch the names of their fallen friends. I definitely recommend visiting this and the associated memorials if you are in the area.

I am grateful and thankful for thy service yeah 🙏.

The Vietnam War Memorial is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the men and women who served their country during the Vietnam War. Located in Washington D.C., it is a long, black granite wall that lists the names of the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives during the war.

The memorial is designed to be simple yet powerful, with the names listed in chronological order, rather than by rank or other factors. This creates a sense of unity among those who served and died in the conflict. The black granite surface of the wall allows visitors to see their own reflection alongside the names of the fallen, symbolizing the impact of the war on all who were touched by it.

The Vietnam War Memorial is also unique in that it is interactive, allowing visitors to leave flowers, letters, and other mementos in honor of those who died. This creates a sense of community and connection among visitors, even those who may have never met the individuals whose names are listed on the wall.

Overall, the Vietnam War Memorial is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the war, and a powerful reminder of the cost of war. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Washington D.C. and a place of reflection and remembrance for all Americans.

Very pretty scene. Wonderful way to commemorate to horrific events of 9/11. I like walking by it on my commute because it reminds me to be grateful for what I have.

A beautiful memorial space in the shape of a triangle. It is a pity that at the time of my visit the central area was not filled with water.

Imposing family vault, within which J J Astor IV is buried. Well worth visiting this cemetery, which is set in a lovely area of Upper Manhattan.

A well done memorial for those that fight and died despite the persecution of their people as well as a reminder of mistakes made. Just sort of tucked away over between Union Station and the Capitol. Worth a visit if you have the time!

This memorial was very well done and the quotes encapsulate the disabled spirit well.

I was honestly very disappointed with this exhibit. It was extremely lazy and ONLY talked about how the Native Americans helped the United States of America. The history of the native Americans was completely disregarded and lacked in importance.
The museum was so empty, there were hardly any paintings, pictures or sculptures.
Do not recommend! :(

The Native American veterans memorial is a must stop when you're in DC and particularly when a visiting the national museum of the American Indian! It's a very brief walk-through but a very spiritually intense place to set and just quietly ponder the sacrifice of some of our nation's bravest warriors! There is not a public restroom at the monument but I'm sure you could step into the museum next door. Admission is free at the museum!

I just happened to walk by this and saw this memorial. It was interesting to see.

Wonderful place to visitors. 👏🏼

What a a nice way to tell the story of the American people. I learned so much just going from the fourth floor down. It is an awesome museum to learn about the United States and the Native American. It has happy and sad moments while you go from one place to another learning so many great things. I really like how Native American were so connected to nature and always protected it.

The museum enjoys a unique collection of paintings and sculptures of masters like Van Gogh, Rafa ale , De Vinci to name a few. It also has wonderful photographs of various American states in the old times . Like California, Colorado,Denver etc. They looked so different from the present scenario.
It also has an exciting collection of heritage furniture. These displays make the visit so fascinating that one sometimes loses the sense of time.

The Concentration Camp Memorial brings out feelings of my grandfather being held on Ellis Island for being a Japanese businessman and therefore suspect.
It also evokes memories of friends I have made through the years that were in the camps and served in the 442nd brigade and the military intelligence service. Few remain.
The reflecting pool with the five boulders represent the five generations of Japanese Americans that have been raised in America. It has also a relation to a Zen stone garden where monks would meditate and you could never see all five rocks at once, giving further contemplation.

Great museum. Was able to see Jackie Robinson jersey before it leaves on July 14, 2022.

Solemn small memorial in a peaceful garden next to the museum. A bit hidden.

A wonderful place to run, bike, walk and just enjoy nature and history all in one place. Must see when you are in DC.

In honour of the Staten Islands victims of the September 11th attack.
The memorial has a uniquely design monument with the names and faces of over 270 of the victims.
You can drive up to the location. It’s 15 minutes walk from the ferry. Lots of benches along the islands north shore facing Manhattan and Brooklyn
The One World Trade Centre is visible along with the rest of the skyline and downtown Brooklyn.
It’s calm, quite and breezy and great for a relaxing walk.

I never noticed this memorial before today as I went past this memorial few times. I noticed flowers places at this memorial. This memorial is getting attention due to Russia invasion of Ukraine as this memorial is from starving Ukrainians due USSR period.

Beautiful Walk that my dogs Love..
You can walk from Bway to Riverside Drive🥂💐🥂💐

Very nice Memorial dedicated to those service members who have born the scars of serving on active duty. The gentle reflecting pool cascading over the edge is calming and soothes the ambience of this memorial tucked in between two very busy streets. More general parking, closer to the memorial, would increase the visitors at this park.

It is always honorable to stop and take a moment to reflect on, and be thankful for all the soldiers that have fought and died in the name of freedom, especially those that never got to live to see a grateful country recognized them for their sacrifices.

Isn't much of a museum, just a memorial with names. Accessible by car. And had benches to sit alongside the waters. Check out my photos posted.

Love this park...its a little small but there is a playground and basketball court and tennis court. There is also a baseball field

A really well made memorial to remember the people lost at sea on the Pride of Baltimore.

The Holodomor Memorial is a small memorial near Union Station that honors the victims of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932–1933. An inscription at the memorial reads “In memory of the millions of innocent victims of a man-made famine in Ukraine engineered and implemented by Stalin’s totalitarian regime.” Throughout the year, people leave flowers on the memorial to honor the victims.

The Memorial is striking against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. At night it becomes breathtaking. The intricate design leaves one feeling awestruck. The names and the profiles are heartbreaking yet you feel a sense of calm and of peacefulness in the aftermath of earth shattering violence. This is a peaceful place to remember and reflect. Definitely visit if your in the area.

We had a very relaxing day at this place. The 9/11 memorial is nice and has names of people that fallen engraved. You can see across is the Manhattan skyline. You can also take the ferry from there to go Manhattan. And right now its free because of the pandemic. A newly open outlet is in the other side of the park called Empire Outlet. Some stores are open already. Beautiful and clean park.

At the edge of L'Enfant Plaza where it connects to the District Wharf is a small concrete park with a fountain named after Benjamin Banneker, a freed slave who became a famous scientist and inventor. The park comes with tables and benches making it a popular spot for an outdoor lunch when the weather permits. It also offers beautiful views of the National Mall, the Spy Museum and the District Wharf. There are stairs that take you to the District Wharf and the water.

A nice memorial to the ship Pride of Baltimore that was lost a sea with its crew in 1986.

One of the finest memorials in all of United States. Why do I say so? Because this memorializes a particularly nasty - and yet, routinely overlooked - episode in American history. That is, when World War II began, the US government put thousands of Japanese-origin persons, including American citizens, in large 'concentration camps'. This memorial looks back at that sorry episode; Reminds Americans of what went on in the past; Notes names and contributions of countless Japanese-origin Americans; and just does a really good job of paying tribute to the suffering of women and men eight decades ago.

Oh, and great cherry trees all around. They blossom gorgeously in spring. Go there in March. The place is heaven!

Interesting. Would have liked to walk along the canal. Too little time, alas.

Great place to chill.. Great places to dine.. Very Convenient to Metro if you don’t want to drive and park. I love the history behind this location. I have seen all of the transformations. Wonderful views close to the waterfront! You can even do your grocery shopping. Oh, And did I say that you feel safe here as well!

Very well done! Explains the whole story and highlights notable Japanese-Americans. A very nice and modest tribute to true American heroes.

Named after one of the architects of the Federal City. The park overlooks the SW Waterfront and views over to the International Spy Museum at L'Enfant Plaza. Has a water fountain, but I have have never witnessed the fountain in use during my visits.

An often over looked memorial to veterans near Union Station. Small black wall of memorance packing a powerful impact to the passerby.

This memorial is very important. It really reminds you how much these people deal with to perfect our freedom. These are the "lucky" ones that get to come home, but they are far from being whole.

As a Ukrainian, I had to see this. Additionally, I lost two aunts as a result of Holodomor. So, it was very personal. The NPS and the Ukrainian government did a great job designing it and my Dad(a translator) verified the translation is great. I would have liked to see a bit more about it. Maybe a map or personal stories of those who lived through it. Great to even see a memorial to Holodomor in the US!

This is a very interesting memorial off the beaten path. It is worth the time to check it out.

All Americans should learn more about the incarceration of Japanese-Americans. This memorial is a powerful reminder of what racism and fear can do even within the United States.

Really nice memorial for disabled veterans. It's easy to access and places to sit down and read the quotes on the memorial walls . You can see the Capitol and are about 5 minutes walking distance from it if not less .

I've been coming to this park since I was in high school, that was in the early 2000s. I mention that because the park itself hasn't changed in all these years but the surrounding area has changed drastically!!!

There are no more river views (which I loved) due to the new hi-rise buildings that occupy the redeveloped Wharf... However it is still a nice spot relax and enjoy the sound and sight of the water fountain, as well as see planes take off from RR National Airport...

Also take some time to learn about Benjamin Banneker and the history of that section of Southwest DC on the information boards...

Conspicuous location for memorial dedicated to those who perished during the artificial famine created by Josef Stalin. The US among other nations has declared it an act of genocide against Ukrainians.

Great place to see some of those who paved the way for a great American.

A blink-and-you'll-miss-it monument to the victims of the red famine. Sobering, but the size and location (right near food trucks, bars, hotels, and Union Station) can make quiet reflection difficult (but getting lunch easy). A fascinating window on a lesser known example of genocidal cruelty.

Cute park for kids but I wish it was a bit cleaner. It’s usually not packed, and doesn’t really have shaded areas during the summer.

Beautiful memorial, thoughtfully designed to commemorate the victims who perished from Stalin's manufactured genocide by starvation in Ukraine during 1932-1933. Stalin's "Holodomor" murdered millions of people, and affected many countries, but he intentionally targeted the bread-basket of Europe - Ukraine. The memorial depicts wheat - as Stalin's regime through forced collectivization confiscated all grain for export to other countries. The proceeds funded the artificial industrialization and the farse of the grand Socialist experiment -- the Soviet Empire. Highly recommend visiting to pay respects to the victims, and appreciate how much food is available to us.

Very less known spot. One of the most peaceful 9/11 memorial. The silhouettes carved in stones are too beautiful with sunlight shining from background. A ferry from downtown to Staten Island is free of cost and operating 24/7. Beautiful view of nyc skyline. Good of running walking picnic and photography

Great place, it has fire on water. You don't see that everyday.

This park is not as well maintained as it deserves to be. A quiet place on a quiet street with nice views. That is soon to change with all the new development and the Spy Museum moving to this locality.

I've lived in DC for 10+ years and haven't given this memorial much time until it was part of a justice walk I did. It's a stone's throw from Union Station and pays respect to the Japanese-Americans affected by World War II. It honor the 120,000 Japenese-Americans who were sent to camps on the West Coast during World War II. It does mention the Japanese-Americans who fought in the war for the USA as well. Definitely take time to read the signs as you walk through the park. It's well maintained and clean.

As a tourist to DC I did not know this place even existed or its history until I just started walking around Georgetown. I recommend walking into allies and strange streets - even those that don't seem to offer much from the get-go may contain hidden gems.

很棒的運河～在ＤＣ這段小小窄窄的，還有穿著古拙的人帶遊客運行於運河，很有趣！

This is a fun neighborhood park that includes a small jungle gym, a slide, a couple of miscellaneous activities, and swings, plus a tennis court. During the warm season evenings and weekends there are often local kids here. Great spot to spend an hour or two if you live in the area.

Depending on when you're there, the fountain may or may not be working. If it's not working then this "park" will seem like a desolate, abandoned wasteland. It will have great potential, as the Wharf area that it overlooks is in full blown construction right now. Once that's finished it should be a very nice view overlooking the water.

On second thought, just wait a year and you'll be much happier that you waited

Glad they turned the skate park into a tennis court.. Here is a photo of my friend after i beat him badly in tennis.