Memorials at Battleship Cove.

They called it "the domino theory." In the years after World War II, Western leaders, fearful of the well-minded wishful thinking that permitted Hitler to gradually embroil the world in arms, became alarmed by Communism's rippling sphere of influence in the Far East. Believing that small countries would topple one after another if left undefended, they resolved to stop the spread of Communism wherever possible. In Korea, the UN successfully completed that mission, but in Vietnam, it failed, at a cost of more than 58,000 American lives. More than 1,300 of those men and women were citizens of Massachusetts.

Battleship Cove is home to the Commonwealth's official memorial to Bay Staters of all branches of service who were killed in service to their country during the Vietnam War. Located on board the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., this memorial is a solemn reminder of their eternal, selfless sacrifice.

Click here for an honor roll listing the names of all Massachusetts servicemen and women killed in the Vietnam War.

Some heroes never step on the battlefield.

COVE NAMED MA 9/11 MEMORIAL: Massachusetts legislators have approved a bill to erect the Commonwealth's official memorial to Bay State victims of the September 11th...Ctd.

WOMEN PROTECTING US: While formal military status for US women began in 1942, women have always borne the burden of military conflict. Often unrecognized, their contributions paved the way for the legions of women who serve today as equals to men in our armed forces. Now, their stories are being discovered and retold at Battleship Cove.

Women Protecting US, a new exhibit planned at Battleship Cove, will represent Southern New England’s first in-depth documentation of women’s military contribution to America. This provocative exhibition will chronicle how women in the military perform valuable duties, and how women on the home front preserve the fabric of our nation while soldiers and sailors fight overseas. If you are interested in being interviewed or donating artifacts to the this permanent exhibit on board USS Massachusetts, or if you would like to join Macy’s East and the Federated Department Stores Foundation, the Yawkey Foundations, the Fall River Women’s Union, and the Fall River Cultural Council as a sponsor, please contact the museum.

MEMBERSHIP: Patriotism is alive at Battleship Cove. The Commonwealth's official memorial for 9/11, WWII and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars, this nonprofit memorial museum is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of America's veterans. Please follow this link to learn how you can join our cause as a member and visit Battleship Cove for free all year long!