Top 10 Sensational Facts About Korean War Veterans Memorial

Aerial view of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo By Carol M. Highsmith – Wikimedia

Top 10 Sensational Facts About Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is in Washington, D.C.’s West Potomac Park, southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and south of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. It honors those who served in the Korean War.

In the middle of the year 1950, a conflict between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) brought the world to the brink of yet another international conflict.

The Second World War had ended just five years earlier, but the conflict brought the international superpowers face to face with the possibility of an imminent nuclear war.

The people’s Republic of China and the U.S.S.R supported communist-ruled North Korea, while the United Nations-led by the U.S. supported South Korea.

The U.S. had more than 54,246 of its men dead, another 103,284 U.S soldiers wounded, and about 15,317 captured or missing. A beautiful memorial for all those who had served bravely in America’s Unknown War was in order.

Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995, the anniversary of the Korean War Armistice (formal agreement to stop fighting). The Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.

President Bill Clinton and Kim Young Sam, President of the Republic of Korea, dedicated the memorial to the men and women who served during the conflict.

It commemorates the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed services. during the three years alongside the UN nations’ partners. 

Here are interesting facts about the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

1. The Forgotten War

Statues at the Memorial. Photo By The White House – Wikimedia Commons

After the war, when one and a half million Americans returned home, they found the U.S. to be a country preoccupied with peace and prosperity. As if the war that had taken place nearly half a world away had not affected them at all.

Because of this, the war became known as “The Forgotten War”. To the Americans, the Korean War was the last thing they wanted to memorialize. So, the creation of this memorial itself was a great achievement.

It was only after the conclusion of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that the idea to create such a memorial arose.

2. Memorial got Congress approval in 1986

The construction of the memorial was confirmed by the U.S. Congress on April 20, 1986. After this, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory Board and the American Battle Monuments Commission sought to find a suiting design to commemorate the thousands of people who served during the war.

3. Original Design Was by University Students

The initial design selected in the competition held for selecting the design of the memorial was from a team of four architects from Pennsylvania State University.

These four were unable to accommodate the changes needed by the reviewing committees. This led to their withdrawal from the process.

In the end, the design that was selected was by the firm Cooper-Lecky Architects. It was a result of collaboration between several designers.

4. The Mural Wall

The Mural wall. Photo By The White House – Wikimedia Commons

The memorial is in the form of a triangle intersecting a circle. The Mural wall consists of 41 panels extending 164 feet.

Over 2,400 photographs of the Korean War were obtained from the National Archives. The photos honor all the branches of the forces and were enhanced by a computer to give a uniform lighting effect and the desired size. The etchings are arranged to give a wavy appearance in harmony with the layout of the statues.

The reflective quality of the ‘academy black granite’ creates the image of a total of 38 statues, symbolic of the 38th parallel and the 38 months of the war. When viewed from afar, it also creates the appearance of the mountain ranges of Korea.

5. Pool of Remembrance

The Pool of Remembrance. Photo By MusikAnimal – Wikimedia

The pool is a shallow one that is 30 feet (9 m) in diameter, gets its water from its bottom, and is lined with black granite.

The point of the triangle enclosing the statues reaches into a circular pool approximately 128 feet in diameter. Surrounding the pool are 28 linden trees shaped to create a barrel effect, which will allow the sun to reflect on the pool.

Seven benches, located under the trees, provide a place for visitors to rest and reflect. On the wall that extends into the pool area, written in 10-inch silver letters, is the reminder that the circle contains the Pool of Remembrance.

Right next to it some inscriptions list the number of American and United Nations soldiers killed, wounded, missing in action, and held as prisoners of war side by side.

6. The Statues

Korean War Veterans Memorial Statues looking like they are coming out of a forest to patrol. Photo By Lyla0724 – Wikimedia Commons

The 19 stainless steel statues are approximately 7-feet tall and represent an ethnic cross-section of America.

 The advance party has 14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy, and 1 Air Force member.

Reflected on the mural wall makes the 19 look like 38. The statues stand in patches of juniper bushes and are separated by polished granite strips. The troops wear ponchos covering their weapons and equipment.

7. United Nations’ Curb

The curb running along the northern side of the statues contains an alphabetical listing of the 22 nations that participated in the Korean War. Seventeen nations provided combat units and five medical support.

A smaller wall mentions the quote “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE,” a saying often used in the United States to convey gratitude towards the military for defending personal freedom.

8. Dedication Stone

At the point of the triangle leading to the American flag is the dedication stone. The stone is written ‘Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.’

9. The Memorial at Night

Korean War Veterans Memorial at night. Photo By diego_cue – Wikimedia Commons

The Korean Memorial is a popular one to visit at night. The lighting set up is artistic. It is a sight to behold under the moonlight. Though there are no rangers on site all night, it is relatively safe.

10. No Bookshop or Restroom

The memorial doesn’t have a bookshop or restroom facilities. Visitors usually access these facilities at the neighboring Lincoln Memorial.

This unique memorial is often passed by and forgotten like the war it reminds us of. The good thing is that once visitors have a chance to experience it, they love it. Most visitors say it is one of their favorites.