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