Korean War Veterans Memorial

Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors those who served and sacrificed in the **Korean War** (1950–1953). It commemorates the service of more than **5.8 million Americans** and especially honors the **36,574 who died** and **103,284 who were wounded** during the conflict.

Location

• Located on the **National Mall**, just southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Near the **Reflecting Pool** in **West Potomac Park**

Design and Features

• Unveiled on **July 27, 1995**, the **42nd anniversary** of the armistice ending the war
• Core components include:

 - **19 stainless steel statues** representing a squad on patrol
   * Soldiers are from various branches: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force
   * The figures appear to be walking through rough terrain in Korea
 - The **Mural Wall**, made of black granite and etched with the faces of over 2,500 real soldiers, nurses, and support personnel
 - The **Pool of Remembrance**, which contains the inscriptions:
   > *“Freedom is not free”*
   and casualty statistics

2022 Expansion and Update

• A new Wall of Remembrance was added in 2022
• Lists the names of over 36,000 American service members and over 7,100 Korean augmentations to the U.S. Army (KATUSAs) who died in the war

Symbolism

• The statues reflect unity, diversity, and sacrifice
• The mirrored wall creates ghost-like reflections, symbolizing the presence of those lost
• The triangle layout pointing toward the American flag represents the mission and purpose

Fun Facts

• Each statue is 7 feet tall and wears authentic Korean War-era gear
• The layout forms a triangle intersecting a circle, symbolic of unity and eternity
• The memorial is particularly striking at night with its dramatic lighting

See Also

• Korean War
• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• National Mall
• United States Armed Forces