Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A unique Vietnam War memorial featuring a life-size sundial that marks the time of each fallen soldier's passing, overlooking the State Capitol.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Sundial's shadow is key
Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Best Time
Sundial's shadow is key
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Vietnam War memorial featuring a life-size sundial that marks the time of each fallen soldier's passing, overlooking the State Capitol.
"A magnificently thought out memorial for the Kentucky veterans of the Vietnam War."
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The sundial's shadow is crucial for its design. A clear day enhances the experience significantly.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The surrounding property is beautiful and sometimes hosts events like cross-country races.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sundial Memorial
Center of the memorial
A life-size sundial where the shadow marks the time of each fallen soldier's passing. A truly unique and moving tribute.
Wall of Names
Surrounding the sundial
A comprehensive list of Kentucky's Vietnam War casualties, offering a powerful visual of the human cost.
Capitol Building Views
Overlooking the memorial
Enjoy scenic vistas of the Kentucky State Capitol building, adding a picturesque backdrop to your visit.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The sundial's shadow is crucial for its design. A clear day enhances the experience significantly.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The surrounding property is beautiful and sometimes hosts events like cross-country races.
📸 Capture the Details
While photos are encouraged, remember the solemnity. The sundial's unique design is a must-capture.
🙏 Show Your Respect
This is a place of remembrance. Visitors often leave flowers or wreaths to honor fallen soldiers.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The sundial's shadow is crucial for its design. A clear day enhances the experience significantly.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The surrounding property is beautiful and sometimes hosts events like cross-country races.
📸 Capture the Details
While photos are encouraged, remember the solemnity. The sundial's unique design is a must-capture.
🙏 Show Your Respect
This is a place of remembrance. Visitors often leave flowers or wreaths to honor fallen soldiers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial for its unique and moving design, particularly the life-size sundial that individually honors fallen soldiers. The beautiful grounds and scenic views of the Capitol building are also frequently highlighted, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. While the memorial is deeply appreciated, some may find it more impactful on a sunny day to fully grasp the sundial's function.
"Beautiful monument. Surrounding property is beautiful. Kids compete in cross country races on the surrounding property. This is great because it encourages questions and invites learning experiences for young minds about a critical and controversial time in America. The monument also uses a sundial to track the number of service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice over time with a key linking each death to the positions of the sundial which is quite a sight to behold and honors these brave Americans in a very unique way. Kudos to the designers of this memorial."
Anthony Hanley
"Amazing!
I was simply amazed at this Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial located in Frankfort. A life-size sundial that you can actually walk across. Lots of wreaths and flowers left behind in honor and memory. Very beautifully done!
Parking on the premises and good for kids.
Recommend!
* Wheelchair, accessible entrance and parking lot"
Dede King
"beautiful memorial with some amazing views of the capital building"
Erik Ramirez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located in Frankfort, KY. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors arrive by car, and it's a popular destination for motorcycle rides.
Yes, there is adequate parking available on the premises, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely. The memorial features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring it's accessible for all visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is free. It's a public space dedicated to remembrance.
The memorial is generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific times may vary. It's recommended to visit during daylight for the best experience, especially to see the sundial in action.
While not explicitly stated, as a memorial site, it's generally best to err on the side of caution. Service animals are typically permitted. Check local regulations if unsure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The memorial's most striking feature is its life-size sundial. The shadow cast by the gnomon points to the specific time of day each fallen soldier passed away, creating a deeply personal tribute.
You'll find the impressive sundial, the names of Kentucky's Vietnam War veterans etched into the memorial, and beautiful views of the State Capitol building. It's a peaceful and moving place for reflection.
Yes, the grounds are beautiful and sometimes used for educational events. The sundial can be a fascinating learning tool about time and history, encouraging questions about the Vietnam War.
Yes, the sundial is designed to be walked on, allowing visitors to experience its scale and the way the shadow moves throughout the day.
R.E.D. Shirt Friday is a movement to remember deployed troops. Some visitors and supporters wear red on Fridays to show their support, as seen in some social media posts.
📸 📸 Photography
The sundial itself is a prime subject, especially on a sunny day when the shadow is visible. The names on the wall and the scenic views of the Capitol building also make for great shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the memorial's purpose is serious, its accessibility and the visual interest of the sundial can make it a meaningful experience for children. It's an opportunity to teach them about history in a tangible way, encouraging questions and understanding about the sacrifices made by soldiers. The availability of parking and an accessible entrance also adds to the convenience for families.
❤️ Couples and Reflective Visitors
Visiting on a sunny day allows for the full appreciation of the sundial's intricate function. It's a place to walk hand-in-hand, reflect on history, and honor the bravery of those who served. The peaceful ambiance makes it ideal for a thoughtful outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenious Sundial Design
This innovative design ensures that each fallen veteran is remembered not just as a name, but as an individual whose life had a specific moment in time. The memorial's creators envisioned a space where the passage of time itself becomes a testament to the lives lost. On a clear, sunny day, the effect is particularly striking, allowing visitors to witness the sundial's function firsthand. Even on overcast days, the structure stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and the enduring impact of the Vietnam War on Kentucky families.
A Place of Reflection and Education
The memorial's location, overlooking the Kentucky State Capitol building, adds another layer to its significance, grounding the remembrance within the state's civic heart. The well-maintained grounds are not only peaceful but also sometimes host events, such as cross-country races, which can inadvertently spark conversations and learning opportunities for young athletes about the memorial's purpose.
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