The KOREAN War MEMORIAL

On October 28, 1986 Congress authorized the building of the Korean War Memorial to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Korean War, particularly those who were killed in action, are still missing in action or were held as prisoners of war (U.S. Corps). It had been 33 years since the truce was signed to end the conflict between North and South Korea. However, when the U.S. troops began returning home in July 1953, they were not greeted with pomp and circumstance. Instead, they were met by an American people that did not want to memorialize a war that was fought so far from home. On the contrary, the intention of the memorial was not to applaud the war. A profound inscription within the park expounds on the true intention: Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met" (Korean War..). They went, they fought and they sacrificed for freedom and they deserved their just honor. This is the

objective of a memorial, not to boast of hostilities and triumph. On June 25, 1950 North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea to unify the two countries under a communist government. Fearing the spread of communism to the rest of the world, the United Nations sent battalions from several countries to aid South Korea in defending their democracy. The United States of America deployed thousands of troops, the most of any other ally. Despite strength in numbers, war does not come without a price. Korea claimed the lives of 54,246 American soldiers, left 8177 missing in action with thousands more captured and wounded. Retired Army Colonel William Weber recounted If you went to Korea, you stood a 1 chance in 9 of being killed or wounded (Miles). To assume that a memorial be placed to acknowledge their gallantry was justified and any opposition to such was irrational. It took nine years for the memorial to be designed and built. Sculptor Frank Gaylord (Korean War..) created 19 stainless steel American soldiers: 14 US Army, 3 Marine Corps, 1 Navy and 1 Air Force. The

stainless steel of the statues is reminiscent of the cold and harsh reality of combat. They are placed among low growing juniper bushes and granite that remind the visitors of the treacherous and unforgiving landscape of Korea. The stony expressions on their faces depict fear and uncertainty along with fierce determination to conquer the enemy despite all odds. All of the men are wearing full combat gear including rain ponchos. However, according to a surviving Korean War veteran, they did not wear these in actual battle because the nylon twill material they were constructed of made too much noise (Merriman). Often they were moving through the trenches in darkness with the enemy close by and any amount of noise could prove deadly. Noble and brave were these warriors, worthy of a shrine in Washington, DC where Americas heroes are honored. The statues are centered in the middle of a triangle bordered on one side by a black granite wall that intersects with a reflecting pond at its vertex. Their reflection on the wall gives the illusion of 38 soldiers, which represents the 38th Parallel in Korea, where the war took place. The wall itself is made of black granite, 164 feet long and 8 inches thick. On it are 2500 photographic images sandblasted into it depicting soldiers, equipment and people

involved in the war (U.S. Corps). These images are there to elicit emotion to the visitors and to give presence to the people to whom the memorial gives the nations gratitude and honor. The United States of America was supported in Korea by 22 other countries from the United Nations. These allies are acknowledged on a much smaller granite wall at the end of a concrete path that borders the North side of the triangle. While their troops may have been small in number compared to the American forces, each country represented a battalion that worked and fought under the most trying circumstances and gave their lives for the cause of freedom (Special Report). It was a moral obligation to memorialize these countries as well because of the sacrifices they made while on the battlefield. The smaller wall paid tribute but did not encroach on the acclaim of the American servicemen and women, for which the memorial was bestowed. The third side of the triangle remains open and faces the Lincoln Memorial. However, just within the boundary, trees are planted to depict the Korean landscape. You can look forward through the trees and see the sculptures of the soldiers on the other end. It creates a

feeling of uncertainty and suspense, causing one to wonder what they might have encountered or experienced as they made their way through the jungle. With the enemy close behind, mental and physical strength were necessary for survival. Some made it and some did not, but they all deserve to be draped in a blanket of American pride for their heroism. The final part of the Korean War Memorial is the Pool of Remembrance. Ample in diameter at 30 but shallow in depth, the base is constructed of black granite to provide another medium of reflection within the memorial. The reflection that is seen will be different for each person who visits. Some might see a waving American flag and thank God for blessing this great nation. Some may see themselves without their loved one standing next to them because they gave their life for freedom. Some may see a soldier there, shake their hand, and thank them for their service. Planted along the perimeter of the reflection pond are several linden trees with benches were placed amongst them. Perhaps these were placed there to provide space and opportunity for quiet remembrance. Perhaps all who visit will comprehend that The Korean War Memorial is not intended to glorify war, bloodshed and adversity. It is there to remind the American people to thank the

veterans of the Korean War for their great sacrifice so that today they may live free.