A few days before Christmas each year, visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial have the opportunity to help decorate a Christmas Tree at the apex of The Wall. The tree is adorned with ornaments made by school children from all across the country as well as thousands of cards sent to VVMF each December to honor those who served with the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam and other military conflicts and their families. We also remember those who are serving our country all across the world today.

Thank You Christmas cards and letters waiting to be place on the Tree.

Personalized messages from students thanking & supporting our troops.

Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund founder and president makes introductions.

This year’s tree was donated by Roland Elliott and his family, from New London, Pa. The Elliotts have donated a live Christmas tree for the ceremony for the past six years.

Rev. William E. Calbert, Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington, D.C., World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veteran says a prayer for all Veterans and offers a holiday blessing.

Navy Capt. Eugene Smallwood Jr. addresses the audience with his Christmas message to all Veterans.

Wall Volunteers, Park Ranger and Guests listen to remarks.

John E. “Chip” Akridge III, Akridge Company founder and chairman, chairman of the Trust for the National Mall and Vietnam Veteran.

Volunteers reading some of the greetings before the tree is placed at the apex of The Wall.

This year’s tree was donated by Roland Elliott and his family, from New London, Pa. The Elliotts have donated a live Christmas tree for the ceremony for the past six years.

The card reads: Dear Heroes, With All My Family I Am Deeply Thankful For The Sacrifices Your Brave Troops Have Made On Battling The Enemy Of America. Devotedly Josephine Ralph 11-7-2007

The Card reads: I am also a Veteran of the Vietnam era. I know what it feels like to be treated as a second class citizen while in uniform. Signed ARMY

The Card reads: Thank you just is not enough to say for our freedom. My brother Jim was in the Vietnam War also, I have two other brothers John in the Air Force and Robert in the Army. So my heart goes out to the men and women that protect our country and freedom. God Bless You and Your Family at this holiday and Everyday.

SP4 Joel Daniel Coleman – Army – 1st Cav. Division (AMBL) Length of service One year. His tour began on Dec. 22, 1965 Casualty was on May 5, 1966 in South Vietnam. Hostile ground casualty. Small arms fire. Body was recovered. Panel 07E - Line 29

Handmade ornaments and greetings have been sent by these schools: El Cajon Valley High School, El Cajon, Calif. Hebron-Harman Elementary, Hanover, Md. Jefferson High School, Lafayette, Ind. Leo Junior-Senior High School, Leo, Ind. Mesick Middle School, Mesick, Mich. Scott Memorial Middle School, Wortheville, Va. Stillwater Township School, Stillwater, N.J. White Oaks Elementary, Burke, Va. Williamsport High School, Williamsport, Md. Zundy Junior High School, Wichita Falls, Texas

The Card reads: To whom this card reaches, I wish you the best of health for I know that you have done your part in the war of Vietnam. I served from 1951 to 1980 and was in the Guard outfit when we were called up in 1968. I was in Civil engineers, did not see much combat, we worked hard xxx other bases, I was a supervisor and enjoyed e God Bless

God gave us a beautiful day.

His Star was shinning bright for All Veterans.

Handmade ornaments and greetings have been sent by these schools: El Cajon Valley High School, El Cajon, Calif. Hebron-Harman Elementary, Hanover, Md. Jefferson High School, Lafayette, Ind. Leo Junior-Senior High School, Leo, Ind. Mesick Middle School, Mesick, Mich. Scott Memorial Middle School, Wortheville, Va. Stillwater Township School, Stillwater, N.J. White Oaks Elementary, Burke, Va. Williamsport High School, Williamsport, Md. Zundy Junior High School, Wichita Falls, Texas

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund receives thousands of holiday messages each December to be placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Individuals from across the nation include personal messages to honor and remember those who served during the Vietnam War, as well as those currently serving overseas.

Arthur Reynolds Jr. USMC - Philadelphia, PA - Platoon 1016 Parris Island 1966

Daniel J. Yeutter USMC - Philadelphia, PA - Platoon 1016 Parris Island 1966

Francis G. Patton - ARMY - Philadelphia, PA

PFC. Stephen A. Sherlock - United States Army – ‘He is My Brother! I will Never Forget’ – John J. Sherlock – USMC - Picture of my Brother three months before he was killed. KIA 2 April 1969