The Vietnam Wall ControversyHistory on Trial Main Page

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Round Four - The Artistic Controversy: March 1982 - November 1985 >>>>> 1988

Maya Lin wrenches the compromise by asserting that the "changes" (she won't call them additions) violate the integrity of her work and completely alter the nature of the memorial. The VVMF finds itself caught between the "political" critics and the art community. It is left to the Commission of Fine Arts to forge yet another compromise, this time on the location of the statue and flag, which itself is contested, and the matter is not settled till after the successful dedication of the Wall in November 1982.