Korean War Veterans Memorial

Korean War Veterans Memorial. The memorial honors the United States Armed Forces who served in the Korean War, a conflict that involved United Nations Command forces, including those from South Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, and United Kingdom, against the North Korean and Chinese People's Volunteer Army. The memorial is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was designed by Cooper-Lecky Architects and features 19 stainless steel statues, known as The Column, designed by Frank Gaylord.

● History

The idea for the memorial was first proposed by General of the Army Omar Bradley and General Matthew Ridgway, who served as Supreme Commander of the United Nations Command during the Korean War. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory Board was established in 1986 to oversee the development of the memorial, with members including General Colin Powell, Senator Bob Dole, and Representative Sonny Montgomery. The board worked with the National Park Service and the American Battle Monuments Commission to select a site and design for the memorial, which was inspired by the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of Inchon. The memorial was authorized by Public Law 99-572, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on October 28, 1986.

● Design and Construction

The memorial was designed by Cooper-Lecky Architects and features a triangular Field of Service, with 19 stainless steel statues, known as The Column, designed by Frank Gaylord. The statues depict a squad of United States Army soldiers, United States Marine Corps soldiers, United States Navy sailors, and United States Air Force airmen on patrol, and are meant to represent the United Nations Command forces that served in the Korean War. The memorial also features a Mural Wall, designed by Louis Nelson, which depicts images of Supporting Services personnel, including Nurses, Chaplains, and Medics. The memorial was constructed by Graves-Kelsey Construction Company and was completed in 1995, with a total cost of $18 million, which was funded by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and the United States Congress.

● Features and Symbolism

The memorial features a number of symbolic elements, including the 19 Statues, which represent the 19 members of a typical United States Army squad, and the Mural Wall, which depicts images of Supporting Services personnel. The memorial also features a Pool of Remembrance, which is meant to symbolize the Demilitarized Zone (Korea) and the 38th parallel north. The Field of Service is surrounded by a Wall of Freedom, which features quotes from General Douglas MacArthur, General Matthew Ridgway, and President Harry S. Truman. The memorial also features a number of Inscribed Quotes, including quotes from General Omar Bradley, Senator Bob Dole, and Representative Sonny Montgomery.

● Dedication and Legacy

The memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995, in a ceremony attended by President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and General Colin Powell. The ceremony also included a Parade of Veterans, which featured veterans from the Korean War, World War II, and the Vietnam War. The memorial has become a popular tourist destination, with over 1 million visitors per year, and has been the site of a number of Wreath-Laying Ceremonies, including ceremonies hosted by the Korean War Veterans Association and the American Legion. The memorial has also been recognized with a number of Awards and Honors, including the National Park Service's Director's Award and the American Institute of Architects' Honor Award.

● Visitor Information

The memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Visitors can access the memorial via the National Mall or the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which connects Arlington National Cemetery to the National Mall. The memorial is also accessible via the Metrorail system, with the closest station being the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the memorial, which is offered by the National Park Service and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. The memorial is also the site of a number of Special Events, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Ceremony, which is held annually on July 27th, and the National Memorial Day Parade, which is held annually on Memorial Day. Category:Korean War