The memorial was dedicated in 1987, inspired in 1982 by visits to the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial by five veterans and the parents of a Marine killed in Vietnam.

It was designed by Janis Price, and is called Hoyt, in recognition of the Arboretum.

The memorial is located in the Hoyt Arboretum, adjacent to the World Forestry Center and the Oregon Zoo.

The nearby trail system connects to Forest Park and is close to the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden.

It is accessible by U.S. Route 26 and by Portland's MAX light rail system, which has a station in Washington Park.