The Faces of War Memorial is a deeply moving Vietnam War monument situated on the grounds of Roswell City Hall in Roswell, Georgia. Dedicated on Memorial Day, May 29, 1995, it stands as a solemn tribute to the men and women who served during the war — both American service members and Vietnamese civilians. Design and SymbolismAt 14 feet tall and 20 feet wide, the memorial is constructed of brick, topped with Georgia marble capstones, and dominated by a bronze centerpiece. The bronze relief features a life-size soldier reaching out for the hand of a small girl — a tender, hopeful gesture in the midst of conflict. Surrounding them are fifty faces, each sculpted in bronze to convey a spectrum of raw emotions: grief, fear, courage, and resolve. One of the most powerful design elements is a thin veil of water that cascades over the faces, creating a reflective surface. As visitors gaze upon the memorial, they may see their own reflections among the faces — a symbolic merging of past and present. The water also embodies tears, memory, and a kind of cleansing, representing how war leaves its mark on individuals and communities. Origins and CreationThe idea for the memorial arose in 1990, when a group of local Vietnam War veterans in Roswell came together, inspired to create a lasting tribute. Fundraising efforts included benefit concerts and the sale of inscribed bricks — with purchasers’ names engraved on bricks both in the monument and along the walkway leading up to it. A model of the final design was publicly unveiled in 1993. Construction began in mid-1994 and was completed the following year at a cost of roughly $150,000. On its dedication day, the ceremony included remarks by Georgia’s Secretary of State Max Cleland, plus a very moving missing-man formation flyover by helicopters and jets. Designers and ArtistsThe memorial was designed by architect Zachary Henderson. The bronze sculptures — the faces, the soldier, and the little girl — were crafted by local artists Don Haugen and Teena Stern, a husband-and-wife team. Annual Ceremony and Community RoleSince 1998, a Memorial Day ceremony has been held at the site, which has grown into one of Georgia’s largest Memorial Day events. The ceremony — now often referred to as Roswell Remembers — draws veterans, families, and community members each year to pay homage. People visiting the monument often leave mementos: photographs, letters, flowers — small shrines that reflect personal stories, grief, and gratitude. Interpretation and SignificanceWhat makes the Faces of War Memorial especially powerful is its emotional richness and layered symbolism:Diversity of Faces: The 50 sculpted faces represent not just American soldiers, but also medical personnel, Vietnamese civilians, men, women, and children. Roswell Memorial DayReflection: The water cascading over the relief lets visitors see themselves in the memorial, symbolically connecting their lives to those represented in the sculpture. The Soldier and the Child: The image of the soldier reaching for the child suggests hope, legacy, and reconciliation — a future beyond war.Water as Tears and Renewal: The flowing water suggests mourning, but also cleansing and healing — a metaphor for how we remember and move forward.LegacyOver the decades, the Faces of War Memorial has become a place of both public ceremony and private reflection. It’s not just a war memorial — it’s a gathering point for memory, healing, and community. The fact that the memorial uses personal imagery (faces, reflections) makes it intimate, inviting visitors to reflect on their own connections to war, sacrifice, and legacy.
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