For most families, September is a time for returning to school and embarking upon new and exciting learning experiences.
For our team at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum, this means fresh opportunities to educate about the Vietnam era and those who served our country in the Vietnam War.
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum is the only site of its kind in the nation.
The museum recently underwent an aesthetic renovation with stunning results, thanks to funding secured by state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Ocean Twp.). Thanks to funding from Gov. Phil Murphy, a much-needed phase two renovation is on the horizon.
The museum includes an exquisite circular timeline, which simultaneously details the events as they took place in Southeast Asia as well as here at home. Created by the History Channel exclusively for our museum, the timeline provides factual, unbiased accounts, as well as a unique experience for our visitors.
The museum gives our visitors a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and its enduring impacts on our country and culture. Our Vietnam veteran docents who serve as tour guides provide firsthand accounts and perspectives, as well as an individualized touch, making this museum a piece of living history.
Earlier this summer we had the honor of hosting the Red-Carpet premiere of “A Place of Honor,” a moving documentary about the history of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum. Produced by Oscar-winning director Vanessa Roth, the film premiered to a sold-out, teary-eyed and emotional crowd inside the Vietnam Era Museum.
Located in Holmdel, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial was dedicated in 1995 by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf. In 1998, U.S. Sen. John McCain delivered a poignant speech at the opening of the Vietnam Era Museum, a project that was completed in large part due to the fundraising efforts of former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman and her husband, John Whitman, a Vietnam veteran who served as 1st lieutenant in the Army.
Since then, we are proud to have hosted over 120,000 students and educators since opening our doors.
Many of our state’s school districts have participated in our educational programs. We also host an annual scholarship essay competition for high school students who visit, take an official tour with one of our docents and write about their experience.
Our annual Educational Forum on Oct. 24 is another opportunity for educators to learn more about the unique history of the Vietnam era to share with their students.
This year, attendees will hear from a Vietnam POW about life in captivity in Hanoi, learn about Vietnam artifacts, as well as other Vietnam experts and presenters. Registration information is on our website.
Our mission is to preserve the legacy of the Vietnam era for future generations, starting in our schools. Every day, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum honors the memory of the 1,564 New Jerseyans who made the ultimate sacrifice, a reminder to visitors of all ages that freedom is never free.
Amy Osborn is executive director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum.
