new jersey vietnam veterans memorial and vietnam era museum & educational center

They now have a restored Huey helicopter mounted outside the museum on a pillar that had seen service in Vietnam. The museum is not only about Vietnam, but about US history a bit before and after. A lot of memorabilia is in display cases.School groups get tours and narratives from Vietnam Veteran volunteers. Outside, a few gardens are dedicated to different groups such as women who were there. Also there is a circular memorial with dates and the names of those who died there. I disliked the traffic pattern getting to it from the Garden State Parkway. It could be signed much better.

The Memorial is distinct, but in the mode of many modern military monuments. You walk through the tunnel and it seems you are in a different place...quiet and solemn. The nearby museum bring some of the Viet Nam period back to life and is fascinating in its own right. Easy access from The Garden State Parkway, plenty of parking. A peaceful setting ( if there is not a show at PNC ). Our heroes deserve your visit.

Veterans do not have to pay the nominal fee to enter the Museum. The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center provides an atmosphere where appropriate materials and exhibits help visitors understand the significance of the Memorial, the reality of the conflict, and the social, political and cultural complexities of the war years. The Women Veterans Meditation Garden adjacent to the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is a lasting tribute to the thousands of women, both military and civilian, who served during the Vietnam Era. A Purple Heart Memorial is located right outside the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center and honors the recipients of the nation’s oldest military decoration.The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall honors all those who served our country and state during the Vietnam War, especially the 1,563 New Jerseyans who did not return home. It is a powerful and fitting tribute to their sacrifice. The US War Dogs Memorial consists of a bronze statue of a kneeling soldier and his dog and honors our nation's war dogs and their handlers - past, present, and future. The Vietnam Era Educational Center has a fully-stocked gift shop, offering a variety of apparel, Memorial items, and military and veteran-related items.

This is a very moving memorial to those that were in the Viet Nam War. Unfortunately the day, Sunday, that we stopped by the Museum was closed. It seems they are only open Tuesday - Friday, which is a same because I understand the museum is well worth the trip. The is a Helicopter and several very moving statues along with the wall that lists those who died in this conflict. Also, a very beautiful garden memorializing the only NJ Woman killed during Viet Nam. We will definitely go back when the Center is open.

This is a hidden jewel in New Jersey that is worth a stop to get a feel for the Vietnam War era and honoring those NJ residents who made the ultimate sacrifice. Very easy access off the Garden State Parkway with nicely kept grounds and an Education Center/Museum (with limited hours). The relatively recent addition of the Huey helicopter is an interesting display. Recommended - but let's hope the damaged/broken electronic displays at the outside memorial are soon fixed/repaired.

Spacious museum and facilities and grounds wonderful. Guides are very knowledgeable and all volunteers. Extensive library is very helpful. Monthly presentations, I gave one, eye opening about this war.

This wonderful memorial has been in operation for 15 years and is a touching memorial to those NJ residents who lost their lives in Vietnam. Adjacent to the memorial there is an educational center/ museum which focuses on the life and times of the Vietnam Era. The outside memorial has 366 panels...one for every day of the year and casualties are listed by the date that they died. The memorial has all sorts of relevant symbolism that is best described by one of the veteran tour guides...see the website for times. The museum is a wonderful place for old and young. In the center is the testimony theater where there are actual interviews with Vietnam era folks: soldiers, nurses, widows, war protestors, etc. Then in two concentric circles around the theater there are letters that were written home and then on the outer wall, there are 3 parallel time lines: what was going on in Vietnam, what was going on in the US, and what was going on in the media so that you see how all the pieces fit together. it is a hidden jewel with such meaning. There are also ongoing programs throughout the year is you get on their mailing list. Fees are waived for veterans.