Reading essentials in social studies. Symbols of a nation

A brief guide to the nation's capital describing such aspects as historical events, notable people, and major buildings and monuments. Includes Internet links to related Web sites.

Provides background on America's involvement in the Vietnam War, describes Vietnam veteran Jan Scruggs's vision of creating a memorial to the soldiers who served and died in the conflict, and discusses how the Wall came to be built, and its impact on visitors.