EXHIBITION ON VIEW
The Vietnam War marked a significant turning point in the history of military medicine. The use of medical evacuation on a large scale dramatically reduced the delay between injury and treatment and saved countless lives. Since then, healthcare in the military has rapidly advanced. Conflicts in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan have led to new training and technology methods that have propelled combat injuries’ survivability to a rate of 92%.
This exhibition shows how the advancement of military medicine from Vietnam to the present has had a monumental impact on the lives of New Yorkers who served. It features firsthand accounts and demonstrates the bravery of those who sacrificed their own safety to save others. Most importantly, the stories highlight the humanity of individuals. Behind the military’s regimented care (where every minute counts), there is a human being with compassion. From the moment a wounded soldier cries “medic!” to the pilot transporting a patient to safety, to the nurse’s assuring handhold, to the therapist working recovery— individuals provide the most critical element in the realm of military medicine.
- Location: Vietnam Memorial Gallery located within the Robert Abrams Justice Building at the Empire State Plaza
- Days: Monday through Friday (Closed Holidays and Weekends)
- Times: 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
About the Memorial
The New York State Vietnam Memorial commemorates the military service of New York State residents who served their country in Southeast Asia between 1961-1975, including more than four thousand who lost their lives or were declared missing in action. Dedicated in 1984, the memorial was one of the first such state efforts in the nation. The gallery was created to serve as a “living” component of the memorial, offering exhibits, and programs intended to increase public understanding of the Vietnam War and to continually honor those who served.
