The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument was approved by the Texas legislature in 2005 to honor Texans who served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. The 14-foot tall monument will be dedicated on the Capitol grounds in Austin on March 29, 2014.
Replica of the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument
Currently a scale replica can be seen on the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay as part of the Texas Vietnam Heroes visiting exhibit. The display also consists of 3,417 hand-embossed personalized dog tags representing the Texans who died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.
The interactive exhibition pays tribute to and educates the public about the sacrifices of Texans in Vietnam. Each hero is remembered by name, rank, branch of service, home of record and date of his loss. Black tags represent the Texans who are still Missing in Action. .
A set of identical dog tags will be entombed in the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument as part of the monument to honor all Texans who served in Vietnam.
The Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit can be seen until March 24, 2014 on the USS Lexington Museum. Nicknamed “The Blue Ghost,” it is open daily and located on North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas. For more information go to www.usslexington.com.
The USS Lexington is a floating museum.
For more information on the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument go to www.buildthemonument.org.
Here is a video from that website featuring Joe Galloway, author of “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young.”
THE COASTAL CRONE 
Thank you so much! Heartbreaking video…
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I thought it was powerful too!
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so sad! thanks for posting~
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Yes, it is sad and sad to see young men and women coming home today with physical and mental injuries. At least today they are welcomed home instead of being scorned for doing their duty. Thanks to commenting – always appreciated!
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once upon a time I was a soldier…
I was one of those radio operators on my way
across the ocean when the fall of Saigon happened on April 23rd
and didn’t go but turned in mid flight back to Ft Lewis Washington
I know the daughter of one of the longest held POW’s Col.Burns
a very special man…we all are and were touched by that war
I never doubted then or now I had angels that day
this is a wonderful tribute….Thank you for sharing
Take Care….You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
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Thank you for your service, Maryrose. I remember those days well. It was a bad time in many ways with days counted out in body bags. There were three young men from my hometown that died. Though we had not met at the time, my husband was on in the Navy on a ship off the coast of Vietnam. Thank you for sharing part of your story – one never knows – as many Vietnam vets do not want to talk about their experiences.
Texas has waited much too long to recognize Vietnam vets with an official monument. I hope to see it the next time I am in Austin. Husband and I plan to see this exhibit on the Lex before it leaves. Peace to you and yours!
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Nice post. Too often this one is forgotten.
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Thank you! Unfortunately Vietman does seem like ancient history today and those vets are getting up there – my age – or have died off. Thanks for taking time to comment.
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I haven’t been to the Lexington in years, perhaps it is time for another trip. The Vietnam War, the undeclared war touched so many of us in so many different ways. So many losses, so much pain.
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The Lex has been quite a popular attraction for over twenty years. I had my doubts when it arrived but it has done well and adds new things all the time. It is very popular with the snowbirds who really seem to appreciate the WWII history. And it is a good for teaching hands-on history to students.
Let me know if you ever get down this way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts as many of us were touched by it in different ways. I hope your own days will be brighter soon. Peace and love to you!
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I’m a big supporter of our military. Great post, Coastal and very moving video.
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Thank you! I may not support the war but I always support the military. I agree that the video was very moving and hope readers took the time to view it.
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This is a great post, Jo Nell. I had no idea about the monument of the efforts to honor the soldiers who served and died in Vietnam. It’s about time to do that. Thanks for the information.
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Yes, it really is about time to honor them all. I hope there is good publicity for the dedication in Austin. Husband and I are going tomorrow to view the exhibit on the Lexington. Good to hear from you as always!
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We should never forget.. I just wish my friend we could learn from the destruction of war of the lives lost, the hearts broken and lives that needed to be rebuilt without their loved ones by their side..
And yet the world seems caught in its snare.. with Power and Greed at the heart of it..
Sorry I missed this post.. We should always honour those who served and those who gave their ultimate sacrifice..
I pray we learn the way of Peace.. and Co-operation, not from War and separation..
Love and Light my friend
Sue xxx
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Husband and I saw the display of the dog tags and replica of the monument on the Lexington. We both found the tags of people we knew. A very moving experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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My husband has Joe Galloway’s book and the title is very familiar in our house. He has visited the Lexington with grandson. I told him about the dedication this Saturday. I wonder if he just might make a field trip to the Capitol for it. Sorry, it has taken me so long to respond…keeping up with students, traveling and packing. Excellent post! I was moved to respond right away, but wanted to bring it up in conversation with my husband before I did.
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Thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to comment. I do hope it gets the proper publicity for the Austin dedication. If your husband does not make it for the dedication, a trip later to see it might be worthwhile. The Lex does so much to educate children via hands on history and it is a real asset to the area. Joe Calloway used to live not far from us in Bayside. He is or at least was affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
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Happy Easter, CC!
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Thank you! I have been late on Easter greetings! So happy Spring!
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Hello,it is a pleasure of mine to be in such a creative place like Yours ,You have amazing art Blog, full of joy , Bless,eM
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