The most prominent and commanding structure along the Heritage Trail is the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion. A gift from the Class of 1970, it was dedicated on Oct. 1, 2010, during its 40-year reunion.

This solemn and dignified pavilion honors Air Force Academy graduates who served and sacrificed during the Southeast Asia conflict. Bronze plaques list the names of the 150 graduates — spanning the Classes of 1959 to 1972 — who gave their lives in the war. Additional plaques recognize fallen graduates from our sister service academies, underscoring the shared burden of service.

Nine granite benches stand within the pavilion, each dedicated to a Class of ’70 graduate lost in the war. A flag flies perpetually at half-staff, a quiet symbol of remembrance. A striking black granite wall, reminiscent of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bisects a blue wall —symbolizing the war’s deep and lasting impact on the Long Blue Line.

At the heart of the pavilion is a bronze bas-relief map of Southeast Asia, sculpted by Vietnam veteran Jim Nance, Class of ’71. It highlights key bases and operations from the conflict, offering a powerful visual anchor for reflection.

Interactive screens throughout the Pavilion provide historical context, presenting insights into the war’s events, the culture of the era, and the sacrifices made. The pavilion’s front wall faces the Cadet Area, a deliberate design choice reminding today’s cadets of the legacy of heroism, service and sacrifice that defines the graduates who came before them.

This remarkable structure stands not just as a memorial — but as a living testament to courage, duty, and the enduring spirit of the Academy.