How to Visit the Texas Memorial Vietnam

The Texas Memorial Vietnam is a solemn and deeply meaningful tribute located in the heart of Austin, Texas, honoring the more than 3,400 service members from the Lone Star State who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Unlike larger national memorials, this site offers an intimate, reflective space that connects visitors directly with the personal stories of Texas families who endured loss, sacrifice, and resilience during one of the most divisive conflicts in American history. Visiting the Texas Memorial Vietnam is not merely a tourist activity—it is an act of remembrance, education, and civic duty. For residents, veterans, students, and out-of-state visitors alike, understanding how to properly visit this memorial ensures that its significance is honored with dignity and respect.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning and experiencing your visit to the Texas Memorial Vietnam. Whether you’re a first-time visitor seeking clarity on logistics or a veteran returning to pay respects, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the site with purpose, avoid common pitfalls, and deepen your connection to the memorial’s enduring legacy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the Texas Memorial Vietnam requires thoughtful preparation. Below is a detailed, sequential guide to ensure your experience is both logistically smooth and emotionally meaningful.

1. Confirm the Memorial’s Location and Hours

The Texas Memorial Vietnam is situated on the grounds of the Texas State Cemetery, located at 909 Navasota Street, Austin, TX 78702. It is not a standalone structure but an integral part of this historic burial ground, which also serves as the final resting place for Texas governors, legislators, military heroes, and other notable figures.

The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during daylight saving time (March–November) until 6:00 p.m. The memorial itself is accessible during these hours, and there is no admission fee. However, guided tours are available by appointment only, and it is recommended to check the official Texas State Cemetery website for seasonal changes or special closures due to events or weather.

2. Plan Your Transportation

Austin’s public transit system, Capital Metro, serves the area with Route 10 and Route 20 stopping within a 10-minute walk of the cemetery. For those driving, ample free parking is available on-site in designated lots near the main entrance. Avoid parking on the grass or in areas marked “Authorized Personnel Only.”

If you are traveling from out of town, consider booking accommodations in downtown Austin or near the University of Texas campus, both of which are approximately 3 to 5 miles from the cemetery. Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft operate reliably in the area, making them a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.

3. Research the Memorial’s Design and Symbolism

Before arriving, take time to understand the memorial’s design elements. The Texas Memorial Vietnam consists of a black granite wall inscribed with the names of all known Texas service members who died in Vietnam. The wall is arranged chronologically by date of death, with each name accompanied by the individual’s rank, branch of service, and hometown. At the base of the wall lies a bronze sculpture of a soldier in repose, holding a helmet, symbolizing rest and remembrance.

Flanking the wall are two large stone pillars bearing excerpts from letters written by Texas soldiers and their families, offering personal insights into the emotional toll of war. Understanding these elements beforehand enhances your visit, allowing you to engage more deeply with the memorial’s narrative rather than merely observe its physical form.

4. Prepare Appropriate Attire and Supplies

While there is no formal dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully. Avoid clothing with offensive slogans, overly casual attire (such as swimwear or flip-flops), or items that draw attention away from the solemn nature of the site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the cemetery spans over 40 acres and involves walking on uneven pavement and grass.

Bring water, especially during Texas summers when temperatures can exceed 95°F. Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent are also recommended. A small notebook or journal may be useful for recording reflections or names you wish to research later. Cameras are permitted, but flash photography and tripods are discouraged to preserve the contemplative atmosphere.

5. Arrive Early and Begin with a Moment of Silence

Arriving 15 to 20 minutes before the official opening time allows you to experience the memorial in quiet solitude. Many visitors choose to begin their visit by standing silently before the wall for at least five minutes. This practice honors the tradition of quiet reflection that the memorial was designed to foster.

During this time, observe the play of light on the granite, the texture of the inscribed names, and the way the surrounding trees frame the site. The memorial’s orientation ensures morning light gently illuminates the names, creating a natural, reverent ambiance.

6. Locate and Read Specific Names

One of the most powerful aspects of the memorial is its personalization. Each name represents a son, daughter, brother, sister, or friend from a Texas community. Use the digital kiosk located near the entrance to search for names by last name, hometown, or branch of service. The kiosk displays photos, biographical details, and sometimes letters or video testimonials from family members.

If you are searching for a specific individual, note their hometown. Many names are grouped by county, making it easier to locate them. For example, names from Houston are clustered in the southeast quadrant, while those from El Paso appear toward the west. If you are unable to find a name using the kiosk, ask a volunteer docent—they are trained to assist with searches and often have access to additional archival resources.

7. Participate in the Ritual of Remembrance

Many visitors choose to leave small tokens at the base of the wall: folded American flags, photographs, letters, flowers, or even military patches. These offerings are collected weekly and preserved in the cemetery’s archives as part of the memorial’s historical record. If you wish to leave something, ensure it is non-perishable and not attached to the wall or monument with tape, nails, or adhesive. Place items gently on the ground near the base.

Some visitors read aloud the name of a fallen service member as a personal tribute. Others recite a line from a poem, a prayer, or a personal memory. There is no prescribed ritual—only the expectation of reverence. Respect the space of others who may be in deep reflection.

8. Explore the Surrounding Cemetery

The Texas State Cemetery is a living archive of Texas history. After visiting the Vietnam Memorial, consider exploring nearby gravesites of other notable figures, such as Governor Ann Richards, astronaut Ellison Onizuka, and General Sam Houston’s son, John Sanborn Houston. Each grave marker tells a story of service, leadership, or sacrifice.

Free printed maps are available at the entrance kiosk, and QR codes on signage link to audio narratives about select individuals. Take your time—many visitors spend an additional 45 to 60 minutes exploring the broader cemetery grounds.

9. Document Your Experience Responsibly

Photography is encouraged, but always with discretion. Avoid posing for selfies directly in front of names or with your back to the memorial. When photographing the wall, capture its scale and emotional weight rather than focusing on yourself. Share your images on social media with thoughtful captions that honor the fallen, not your visit.

Consider writing a short reflection to post on a blog, journal, or community newsletter. Your words can inspire others to visit and deepen public awareness of the memorial’s importance.

10. Follow Up: Learn, Educate, and Preserve

After your visit, continue the journey of remembrance. Visit the Texas State Library and Archives Commission website to access digitized military records, draft notices, and letters from Vietnam-era Texans. Encourage local schools to organize field trips to the memorial. Volunteer with the Texas Veterans Commission to help maintain the site or assist with annual ceremonies.

Remember: visiting the Texas Memorial Vietnam is not a one-time event. It is the beginning of an ongoing commitment to honor those who gave everything.

Best Practices

Visiting a war memorial requires more than physical presence—it demands emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and ethical conduct. Below are best practices to ensure your visit aligns with the dignity and purpose of the Texas Memorial Vietnam.

Respect the Silence

The memorial is not a public park or tourist attraction. It is a sacred space where grief, pride, and memory converge. Avoid loud conversations, music, or cell phone use. If you must take a call, step away from the immediate vicinity of the wall and speak quietly.

Do Not Touch the Names

The granite surface is carefully preserved. Even gentle rubbing or tracing of names can cause microscopic erosion over time. Use the digital kiosk or printed name lists to identify individuals. If you wish to feel a connection, place your hand over your heart as you read their name aloud.

Leave No Trace

Dispose of all trash properly. Do not leave food, wrappers, or personal items behind. While symbolic offerings are welcome, they must be placed respectfully on the ground and not obstruct pathways or damage the landscape.

Engage with Volunteers and Staff

The Texas State Cemetery employs trained volunteers who serve as docents. They are often veterans or family members of fallen service members. Ask them questions. Listen to their stories. Their knowledge adds layers of meaning that no plaque or brochure can convey.

Teach the Next Generation

Bring children and young adults. Explain why the memorial exists. Point out the names of those who were the same age as your students. Help them understand that these were not abstract figures—they were classmates, athletes, musicians, and neighbors. This is how memory becomes legacy.

Visit on Significant Dates

Consider visiting on Memorial Day (last Monday in May) or Veterans Day (November 11). These days often feature formal ceremonies, wreath-laying rituals, and readings of names. While the crowds are larger, the collective solemnity can be profoundly moving. If you prefer solitude, visit on weekdays during the off-season (late fall to early spring).

Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivity

The Vietnam War remains a complex and painful chapter in American history. Some visitors may carry trauma, anger, or unresolved grief. Avoid political debates, partisan statements, or casual remarks about the war’s justification. Your role is not to judge history, but to honor those who lived through it.

Support Preservation Efforts

Donations to the Texas State Cemetery Foundation help maintain the memorial’s granite, bronze, and landscaping. Contributions are tax-deductible and go directly toward restoration projects, educational programs, and archival digitization. Even a small gift ensures future generations can visit with the same reverence you experienced.

Practice Active Listening

If you encounter another visitor who is visibly emotional, offer quiet support. A nod, a respectful distance, or a simple “Thank you for your service” to a veteran nearby can mean more than you know. Do not intrude, but do not remain indifferent either.

Document Your Intentions

Before you leave, write down one thing you learned or felt during your visit. Keep it in your wallet or phone. Revisit it annually. This transforms your visit from a single event into a lifelong practice of remembrance.

Tools and Resources

To fully engage with the Texas Memorial Vietnam, you’ll benefit from a curated set of digital and physical resources designed to enhance understanding, facilitate research, and support long-term education.

Official Website: Texas State Cemetery

The primary source for accurate information is texasstatecemetery.texas.gov. The site provides maps, tour schedules, historical background, and a searchable database of all interments, including Vietnam service members. It also lists upcoming commemorative events and volunteer opportunities.

Virtual Tour Platform

For those unable to visit in person, the cemetery offers a high-resolution 360-degree virtual tour. Accessible via the official website, this tool allows users to zoom in on individual names, view close-ups of inscriptions, and listen to audio commentary from historians and family members. Ideal for classrooms, veterans’ groups, or remote families.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) Database

Though focused on the national memorial in Washington, D.C., the VVMF maintains a comprehensive digital archive that cross-references Texas names with service records, photos, and unit histories. Visit vvmf.org and use the “Search the Wall” feature to find details about a Texas service member’s military unit, date of death, and burial location.

Texas Digital Archive

The Texas Digital Archive, hosted by the Texas State Library, contains over 12,000 digitized letters, draft notices, and military documents from the Vietnam era. Search by county or surname to uncover personal stories that contextualize the names on the wall. Many documents are annotated with historical notes and maps.

Mobile Apps

Two apps are highly recommended:

• Memorial Finder – A GPS-enabled app that guides you to the exact location of each name on the wall and provides biographical summaries.
• Texas War Memorials – Offers curated walking tours of Texas’s major war memorials, including audio narratives from surviving family members.

Both apps are free and available on iOS and Android.

Books and Publications

For deeper context, consider reading:

• Texas in Vietnam: The Personal Cost of War by Dr. Linda Ramirez – A collection of oral histories from Texas families.
• Names on the Wall: The Texas Vietnam Memorial by James T. Hargrove – A photographic and historical record of the memorial’s creation.
• Letters Home from Vietnam – Published by the Texas Veterans Commission, this anthology includes previously unpublished letters from soldiers stationed in the Mekong Delta.

Many of these books are available at the Austin Public Library system and can be requested via interlibrary loan.

Local Historical Societies

Counties across Texas maintain local veterans’ associations and historical societies that track the lives of their fallen sons and daughters. For example:

• San Antonio Veterans History Project
• Fort Worth Vietnam Veterans Association
• El Paso County Memorial Committee

These organizations often host reunions, publish newsletters, and maintain online memorials. Contacting them can yield personal anecdotes, unpublished photographs, and connections to surviving family members.

Educational Curriculum Guides

For teachers and homeschoolers, the Texas Education Agency provides a free downloadable curriculum guide titled Remembering Vietnam: A Texas Perspective. It includes lesson plans, primary source documents, discussion prompts, and project ideas for grades 7–12. Available at tea.texas.gov under “Social Studies Resources.”

Real Examples

Real-life stories illustrate the profound impact of visiting the Texas Memorial Vietnam. These examples are drawn from documented visitor accounts, news reports, and interviews with family members.

Example 1: The Granddaughter Who Found Her Name

In 2021, 17-year-old Maria Gonzales from San Antonio traveled to Austin with her grandmother, a widow of a Vietnam veteran. Maria had never met her uncle, Corporal Daniel Gonzales, who died in 1968 at age 19. Her grandmother had kept his dog tags and a single letter, but never spoke of him.

At the memorial, Maria used the digital kiosk to search for “Gonzales.” When she found her uncle’s name, she broke down. She placed her grandmother’s hand on the granite and whispered, “I’m here, Uncle Danny.”

Later, she contacted the Texas Veterans Commission and donated her uncle’s letters and photos. They are now part of the official archive. Maria now volunteers as a student docent at the memorial, helping other teens find their family names.

Example 2: The Veteran Who Returned After 50 Years

Retired Master Sergeant Robert “Bob” Ellison, a 72-year-old veteran from Lubbock, visited the memorial for the first time in 2022—50 years after returning from Vietnam. He had never spoken about his service.

On the wall, he found the name of his best friend, Private First Class Thomas “Tommy” Ruiz, who died saving his life during a mortar attack. Bob had carried Tommy’s dog tags for decades, but never visited a memorial.

He stood before the wall for nearly two hours. He didn’t cry. He didn’t speak. He simply placed Tommy’s dog tags on the ground at the base of the wall and walked away. A volunteer later found them and returned them to Bob the next day, with a note: “He’s remembered. You’re not alone.”

Bob now leads monthly veteran walks to the memorial, encouraging others to confront their grief in community.

Example 3: The High School Class That Changed Their Town

In 2019, a history teacher in Corpus Christi assigned her AP U.S. History class to find a Texas soldier listed on the Vietnam Memorial and write a biography. One student, Javier Morales, discovered his great-uncle, Private First Class Miguel Morales, who died at age 18.

Javier interviewed his grandfather, gathered military records, and created a digital exhibit. The class presented it to the city council, which then funded a plaque in the town’s civic center listing all 43 local fallen soldiers.

Today, Corpus Christi holds an annual “Names Read” ceremony at the memorial in Austin, with students traveling to read each name aloud. The project has been replicated in over 20 Texas school districts.

Example 4: The Foreign Visitor Who Understood Sacrifice

In 2020, a young Japanese exchange student, Aiko Tanaka, visited the memorial as part of a cultural exchange program. She had studied the Vietnam War in school but had never encountered the human cost so personally.

She spent the afternoon reading names and writing down the hometowns of those who died. She later wrote: “In Japan, we remember our war dead with quiet ceremonies. But here, I saw names carved into stone with hometowns—Austin, Beaumont, Laredo. These were not distant statistics. They were sons of Texas. I cried because I realized: war takes the same kind of people everywhere.”

Aiko returned to Japan and founded a student-led initiative to exchange letters between Japanese and Texas high school students about their respective war memorials. Her project is now supported by the U.S.-Japan Foundation.

FAQs

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Texas Memorial Vietnam?

No. The Texas Memorial Vietnam and the Texas State Cemetery are free and open to the public daily during operating hours.

Can I bring my pet to the memorial?

Pets are permitted in the cemetery but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed on the memorial wall or within five feet of the granite structure to preserve its sanctity.

Are guided tours available?

Yes. Group tours (minimum of 10 people) can be scheduled in advance through the Texas State Cemetery’s website. Individual visitors may join scheduled docent-led walks on weekends.

How many names are on the Texas Memorial Vietnam?

As of 2024, there are 3,417 names inscribed on the wall, representing all known Texas service members who died in Vietnam or as a result of injuries sustained there.

Can I add a name to the memorial?

Names are only added if a service member’s death is officially recognized by the Department of Defense as a result of service in Vietnam. The Texas Veterans Commission reviews all new claims. Requests are not accepted from the public.

Is the memorial accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. The memorial is fully ADA-compliant with paved pathways, ramps, and accessible restrooms nearby. The digital kiosk is height-adjustable and includes screen-reader compatibility.

What should I do if I find a name I recognize?

If you believe a name on the wall belongs to someone you knew, contact the Texas Veterans Commission. They may be able to connect you with surviving family members or confirm details for historical records.

Are there any events held at the memorial?

Yes. Annual ceremonies occur on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Smaller observances are held on the anniversaries of major battles, such as the Tet Offensive (January 30) and the Fall of Saigon (April 30).

Can I take photographs of the names?

Yes, for personal use. Commercial photography requires a permit from the Texas State Cemetery. Flash photography is discouraged to preserve the reflective surface of the granite.

How can I help maintain the memorial?

Volunteer opportunities include assisting with tours, helping with annual clean-ups, transcribing archival documents, or donating to the Texas State Cemetery Foundation. Visit their website for current needs.

Conclusion

Visiting the Texas Memorial Vietnam is not a transaction—it is a transformation. It moves you from observer to witness, from passerby to keeper of memory. The names on the wall are not just carved stone; they are echoes of laughter, unfinished letters, empty chairs at dinner tables, and dreams cut short by a war that spanned continents and generations.

This guide has provided you with the practical steps, ethical guidelines, tools, and stories to ensure your visit is meaningful, respectful, and enduring. But the most important step comes after you leave: to carry the names with you. Speak them. Teach them. Remember them.

Every time you share the story of a Texas soldier who gave his life in Vietnam, you honor not just a single person—but the collective conscience of a state, a nation, and a people determined never to forget.

Visit. Reflect. Return. And keep the memory alive.