The Vietnam War has gone down in American history as one of the most unpopular wars the country ever participated in. An estimated 2.5 million people on both sides were killed for what is still said to be a questionable cause. Soldiers that lived to tell their tales are often haunted by the memories to this day.

The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., currently has an exhibit that focuses on both direct and indirect victims of the war who often are not given a second thought: children.

According to museum curator Jerry Kykisz, the idea for “Children of War” first came about when he received a visit from war victim and photographer Kim Phuc.

“Children were an everyday presence in Vietnam,” Kykisz says. “One of the things we hoped to do was show that side of the equation.”

“Children of War” consists of works by veterans illustrating the children of Vietnam and the overall hazardous effects of the war. Kykisz, also a Vietnam veteran, has incorporated his own work and experiences into the exhibit.

“Kids were an active part of this war just like any soldier or civilian, sometimes more so,” he says.