Read the Introduction and questions and write a long synthesis essay of at least 5 pages or paragraphs don't just answer the question

Question

Introduction:
The Vietnam Conflict was arguably the most contentious in American History The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington DC., was also a contentious choice. A wild departure from the tall monuments of other wars, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an intersection of two reflective walls set below the ground. The walls list the names of the Americans who died in the conflict. Some have referred to the monument as a black, tomb-like hole that dishonors the survivors of the Vietnam War. Others feel that the reflective quality of the monument coupled with the park-like setting around it pays evocative tribute to a complex moment in American history.
Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then write a synthesis essay in which you evaluate whether or not the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans

Refer to the sources by their titles (Source A, Source B, etc.) or by the descriptions
Source A (Ayers)
Source B (Lin)
Source C (Carhart)
Source D (Remembering)
Source E (Corbitt)
Sources:
A. YALE SENIOR, A VIETNAM MEMORIAL AND A FEW IRONTES, by B. Drummond
B. THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL by Maya Ling Yin
C. INSULTING VIETNAM VETS, by Tom Carhart
D. HOW TO REMEMBER VIL INAM
E HONORING VETERANS OF WAR AND ANTI-WAR by Phyllis S. Corbitt

Keep the following questions in mind and make sure to answer them in your essay
What is the prompt asking you to take a position on, what is it asking you to do. After reading the background info, what is your gut opinion on which side you want to take. Which two sources support your position. Make an indication so you can come back to those later. Which sources seem to run counter to your position. Pick at least two of these to read for your counter-argument. As you are reading, be on the lookout for anything (quotes) you can use in your paper later Mark them so you can find them as you are writing. What are some overarching themes you notice in the works you read. How can you use these themes to group the sources you read. How will you combine them. You will need to use 3 sources overall, but please don't use more than 4 (for time purposes). Yes, this means you can use a source twice For example, if you have talked about Source A and Source B in the first paragraph, you can then talk about Source B and Source E in the second paragraph. You MUST have more than one source per body paragraph. Make a brief outline and pick pertinent quotes from your sources if you haven't yet

Answer 1

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. has been a subject of contention since its creation. Some argue that the monument is a fitting tribute to the Vietnam veterans, while others view it as divisive and dishonorable. After reading various sources on the topic, I have formed the opinion that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is indeed an appropriate tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. Two sources, in particular, support this view - Source B (Maya Ling Yin) and Source E (Phyllis S. Corbitt).

Source B provides insight from the architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Maya Ling Yin. In her essay, Yin discusses the thought process behind the design of the monument, emphasizing the reflective quality of the black walls and their ability to evoke a deep sense of contemplation and remembrance. She explains how the design was intended to create a space for healing and reflection, rather than glorifying the war itself. This perspective aligns with my belief that the monument serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by the veterans and allows visitors to pay their respects in a solemn and introspective manner.

Similarly, Source E by Phyllis S. Corbitt delves into the concept of honoring veterans of war and anti-war movements. Corbitt argues that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a testament to the complexity of war, acknowledging both the courage of the soldiers who fought and the opposition to the conflict. By including the names of all those who perished in the war, the memorial pays tribute to the diverse experiences and perspectives of those involved, honoring their memories regardless of their stance on the war itself. This inclusive approach resonates with my belief that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a fitting tribute to all those who were impacted by the war.

However, there are sources that run counter to my position, such as Source A (B. Drummond) and Source C (Tom Carhart). Drummond's essay criticizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a "black, tomb-like hole" that fails to honor the survivors of the Vietnam War. He argues that the design of the monument is stark and unwelcoming, lacking the grandeur typically associated with war memorials. Carhart, in Source C, takes a similar stance, deeming the monument as insulting to Vietnam veterans. He asserts that the design of the memorial does not adequately convey the sacrifices made by the soldiers and instead diminishes their service.

Despite these criticisms, I believe that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial serves a crucial role in acknowledging the complexities and nuances of the Vietnam War. The overarching theme of remembrance and reflection permeates the sources I have read, highlighting the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by the veterans while also recognizing the divisive nature of the conflict. By combining the perspectives of Maya Ling Yin and Phyllis S. Corbitt, I can argue that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the veterans of the war, fostering a space for contemplation and healing for all those who visit it.