To Honor This Day

Michigan Vietnam Memorial (1993), merit award recipient, unbuilt

Located within Veterans Memorial Park in Lansing, the project presents a circular space formed by a flagpole and five granite benches, one for each of the armed services. An eternal flame occupies the center and sits on axis with the State Capitol while semi-circles of lights and flowers enhance the memorial's western edge. Together, these elements define a space of collective memory and service for the entire Veterans Park.

Linked directly to this circle is a square, roofless chapel honoring the individual casualties of the Vietnam War. From the outside, the chapel is composed of four petoskey (the state stone) and granite walls while the Michigan motto tuebor, latin for "I will defend", appears over the entry. Inside, twelve "doors" of gray marble present all 2649 soldiers with engraved names and photo plaques, inspired by photos left by visitors at the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. Analogous to a clock, the doors list the casualties in chronological order. Finally, an altar of white marble sits at the end of the room and is dedicated to all U.S. personnel who served in Vietnam.

As a place of healing and human interaction, this proposal attempts to mend both the wounds of Vietnam and the urban fabric of Lansing. By recognizing the unique conditions of this site and the unforgettable events of the Vietnam War, a place is created which hopes to benefit both those who gave their lives and those who remain to remember.