-Next to each person's name is a specific symbol which marks the way they were lost in battle.
-There are two main symbols, a diamond and a plus sign.
-The plus sign is often interpreted as a cross, but its only intent was to serve as a marking for those who went MIA.
-When a person who was originally MIA is confirmed to be dead, the plus sign can be easily inscribed into a diamond by writing over it.
-Another symbol is a plus sign with a circle drawn around it, but it has never been used.
-There are two main symbols, a diamond and a plus sign.
-The plus sign is often interpreted as a cross, but its only intent was to serve as a marking for those who went MIA.
-When a person who was originally MIA is confirmed to be dead, the plus sign can be easily inscribed into a diamond by writing over it.
-Another symbol is a plus sign with a circle drawn around it, but it has never been used.
♦ means person was killed in action (KIA).
+ means person went missing in action/prisoners of war (MIA/POW).
⊕ means a person who was MIA/POW was found alive.
"Often wrongly assumed," according to the Touch the Wall organization, "people believe the names on the Vietnam Memorial are hand-carved." However, as you will discover in learning about the Carving on the Wall, this is not at all true.
+ means person went missing in action/prisoners of war (MIA/POW).
⊕ means a person who was MIA/POW was found alive.
"Often wrongly assumed," according to the Touch the Wall organization, "people believe the names on the Vietnam Memorial are hand-carved." However, as you will discover in learning about the Carving on the Wall, this is not at all true.