Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The basics

Easy to explore independently thanks to its accessible location, the landmark comprises several areas. the Wall of Names (which honors the fallen); the Wall of Scenes (10 granite panels featuring reproductions of wartime photographs); and the Cpl. Michael J. Cresencz Statue (which honors the only Philadelphia veteran to earn a Medal of Honor). The South Vietnamese Freedom and Heritage Flag Monument and the Purple Heart Monument serve as powerful places of reflection, too. The landmark is a stop on many Philadelphia hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Things to know before you go

• Because the monument is outdoors without cover, try to visit during a good weather day to make the most of it.

• As this is a place of mourning, be respectful and refrain from taking photos of other visitors.

• The monument is free for all to visit, and you do not need to book tickets in advance.

• A number of benches are provided to take a break on.

How to get there

The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial is at 108 Spruce Street, adjacent to the Spruce Street Harbor Park, in the Penn’s Landing section of the city. The area is served by numerous local bus lines, as well as the 2nd Street stop on the Market-Frankford Line. Jefferson Station, the nearest major transit hub, is roughly 25 minutes away on foot.

When to get there

The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Typical daytime visiting hours are best to make the most of the landmark, although it is also illuminated for after-dark visits. The monument hosts several major ceremonies each year, including on Memorial Day in late May and on National POW/MIA Recognition Day in mid-September.

The monuments of Penn’s Landing

Penn’s Landing—a reclaimed section of Center City Philadelphia on the Delaware River—has long been a popular destination for dining, recreation, and holiday celebrations. But the area is also home to a number of memorials. After visiting the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, pause at the Philadelphia Korean War Memorial Park (consisting of four granite pillars) and visit the neighboring Irish Memorial and Memorial to Scottish Immigrants (both of which pay tribute to the immigrant groups who helped shape the city).