Korean War Memorial
korean war memorial Credit Josh Hettinger
The Korean War was America's first combat against communism. Waged on the Korean Peninsula from June 1950 until July 1953, thousands gave their lives in what is often referred to as the "forgotten war".
The Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C sits near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. This moving memorial is dedicated to one of the most hard-fought wars in US history, the relatively short (1950-1953) war causing 36,574 American deaths, 8,200 MIA cases, and leaving 103, 284 wounded.
There are 4 main parts to this memorial:
- 19 Stainless Steel Statues - Created by Frank Gaylord of Barne. Each about 7 feet tall. Represents 'ethnic cross-section of America' with 14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy, and 1 Airforce member represented. Each statue stands in patches of Juniper bushes separated by polished granite strips, the scene similar to the rice paddies of Korea.
- Mural Wall - Created by Louis Nelson of New York. Consists of 41 panels featuring 2,400 photos etched into the reflective Academy Black Granite.
- The Pool of Remembrance - This calming water feature represents the 'soldiery costs' of the war and has a feature that lists some KIA, WIA, MIA, and POW members.
- United Nations Wall - This walkway features the 22 nations that contributed troops during the war.
