The Vietnam War has always been regarded as one of America’s most controversial and brutal international conflicts. By the war’s end in 1975, a total of 58,209 American soldiers had been killed throughout the conflict’s duration.

The anti-war movement in America was relatively widespread, and many soldiers came home to less-than-sympathetic conditions. Suffice it to say, the war and its memories still linger with many Americans who choose not to forget the pain of war.

It is this sentiment that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. hopes to continue. The memorial itself is comprised of two massive, 247-foot long, 10-foot high gabbro walls. On its surface is inscribed the name of every single man and woman killed throughout the war.

You’ll find no clowns or circus music at this memorial; no roller coasters or carnival games. What you will find, however, is respectfully solemn silence for the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price to keep American people safe — a humbling sight worthy of the eyes of anyone who calls themselves an American (or is interested in American history), and a powerful reminder of one of America’s longest and bloodiest wars.