Photo courtesy of Ron Sherman photography
The Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association (AVVBA) was founded in 1981 to promote the positive image of the Vietnam veteran, their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased Vietnam veterans; to promote patriotism and sponsor activities of a patriotic nature among the business community; and to recognize those who served and honor those who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.
In 1987, the AVVBA formed a committee to identify Atlanta area individuals killed in action in Vietnam who could be honored with a memorial marker. The committee considered the individual’s life story, the circumstances of his death, and whether there were surviving family members able to participate in the memorial dedication. Final selections were approved by the organization’s board of directors.
The memorial to the first honoree, United States Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant John Fuller Jr. was dedicated at the Galleria Complex Courtyard in Atlanta on May 14, 1987. The Honorable Max Cleland, then Georgia Secretary of State, offered the dedicatory remarks.
Between 1987 and 2014, 27 memorials were dedicated across the metropolitan Atlanta area. The last two memorials were dedicated in 2024.
In 2026, Atlanta History Center assumed responsibility to maintain all but four of these memorials. The remaining four, located at University of North Georgia in Dahlonega; Georgia Veterans Memorial Park in Conyers; Brook Run Park in Dunwoody; and Friendship Plaza in Cartersville, are maintained by their respective property owners.
Next: 1 Captain Julius Patrick Jaeger
Captain Julius Patrick Jaeger is memorialized at Two Live Oak Building.