Summary
The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC was dedicated in 1995 to honor 1.5 million American men and women who served in the Korean War from 1950-1953. This expansive memorial features a group of 19 statues that depict soldiers on patrol facing an American flag. A granite wall displays a mural of the faces of 2,400 unnamed soldiers, accompanied by the poignant inscription, “Freedom is not free.” Furthermore, a Pool of Remembrance honors all soldiers who were killed, wounded, or missing in action. The Memorial Foundation is actively advocating for legislation to add a Wall of Remembrance, listing the names of the veterans.
Getting to the Korean War Veterans Memorial
The memorial is situated on the National Mall at Daniel French Dr. and Independence Ave., NW in Washington, DC. The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom, making public transportation a convenient option.
Limited parking is available near the National Mall; however, the best way to navigate the city is to utilize public transportation. There is also parking available around the area for those who prefer to drive.
Memorial Hours: Open 24 hours.
Veterans Statues
The memorial displays 19 larger-than-life-size statues, expertly designed by Frank Gaylord and dressed in full combat gear. These statues represent members of all branches of the armed forces, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.
Mural Wall
The black granite mural wall, created by Louis Nelson of New York, consists of 41 panels extending 164 feet. This mural beautifully depicts personnel and equipment from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Moreover, when viewed from a distance, the etchings give the illusion of the mountain ranges of Korea.
The Pool of Remembrance
The Memorial features a reflective pool that encircles the mural wall. This pool is designed to encourage visitors to reflect on the human cost of war. Inscriptions on granite blocks at the east end of the monument list the numbers of soldiers who were killed, wounded, held as prisoners of war, and those missing in action. Unfortunately, most visitors overlook these casualty figures as they are not prominently displayed.
Visiting Tips
- Visit on a pleasant day to fully appreciate walking around and reading the inscriptions.
- Consider attending a ranger-guided program to learn more about the history of the Korean War.
- Ensure to take some time to explore and appreciate other memorials in the area.
