Designed by Vietnam Vet David Baker
Kansas City is well known for the many water fountains throughout the city. Varying in sized and style, they are used to beautify the landscape and to commemorate people. Because of this tradition, which dates back to early in the city’s history, when the decision was made to build a memorial of those area residents who had died in the Vietnam War, the natural memorial was a fountain.
In order to select a design for the outdoor fountain, a competition was held. Over fifty local artists submitted designs to the competition in 1982. The artist eventually selected by the competition committee was a local artist named David Baker, who was also a Vietnam veteran.
Baker’s plan for the water fountain and memorial was to symbolize the Vietnam war through an abstract design. A series of rectangular and overlapping pools were planned. The pools increase in size, representing the nation’s increasing involvement and investment in the war. The water from the pools eventually spills into two separate pools. This was symbolizing the division within the country that resulted from the conflict over whether or not the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was justified. The series of pools begins at the top of the hill with the smaller pools spilling into larger pools as they descend down the hill.
Baker’s design stood out from the others in its ability to memorialize a war that was not popular with much of the country while still respecting those who had given their lives. Rather than taking a particular position, the fountain memorializes the entire event. The fountain design was viewed as a symbol of mending the division caused within the country because of water’s ability to cleanse and heal.
The land for the memorial fountain, to be located at 43rd and Broadway near the Country Club Plaza, was donated by the Parks Department. $1.3 million was needed for the building of the memorial and it was raised through private donations.
In addition to the fountain, a wall ten feet high and 155 feet in length makes up a part of the memorial. The wall is inscribed with the names of 385 men who were killed or missing in action in the war. These men come from Kansas City or the surrounding seven-county metropolitan area.
The outdoor fountain is especially poignant at night, when underwater lights shine from beneath the water cascading from pool to pool. A local company who is responsible for a portion of building many of the fountains in Kansas City, Larkin Engineers, consulted on the electronically, mechanical and structural aspects of the design along with advising on the site.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Fountain was dedicated on December 16th 1985. Since that time, it has become a traditional gathering spot for events held on Memorial Day.