Now permanently moored along the Baton Rouge Riverwalk, the 276 foot, 2050 ton USS Kidd is the centerpiece of the Louisiana Memorial Plaza. Here in the heart of Louisiana's capital city, one section of the riverfront pays tribute to Louisiana natives who died in service for their country. The memorial's black granite walls are inscribed with over 7000 names from the Revolutionary War to the present (excluding Civil War names). The memorial's eternal flame rests in the center of the square, overlooked by seven American flags.
   The Fletcher Class Destroyer moved into the Riverfront District in 1982, introducing visitors to one of the most authentic war vessels in the world. Its World War II configuration, complete with an impressive string of battle stars, comes to life every Fourth of July with a roaring World War II-era battle reenactment. Here at the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum visitors find a collection of unique exhibits and military hardware, including a P-40E Warhawk replica and an A-7E Corsair II aircraft. Guests find themselves fascinated with stirring exhibits of an Old Iron Sides gun deck, a wheelhouse from the steamboat Louisiana, a dented WW II helmet from Normandy, and a collection of nautical models.
   Here from the top level, a busy panorama is spread out for memorial visitors. A steady stream of traffic whisks along River Road as Riverwalk fountains and flags are carried on a Mississippi River breeze. Memorial visitors pause and reflect upon sacrifices that veterans contributed, ensuring our freedoms and way of life.

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