The Korean War Memorial took my breath away when I first saw it. It feels like the soldiers are staring you in the eyes and following your movement. I have heard that the memorial is absolutely amazing and scary at night. That the figures of the soldiers feel like they are moving when you see them.
Korean War Memorial
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The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated July 27, 1995, to commemorate the sacrifices of the millions of Americans and allied partners who fought during the Korean War.
From June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, 36,574 Americans died in hostile actions in the Korean War
The memorial is open 24 hours a day. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC.
The Korean War Memorial includes 19 stainless steel statues that were sculpted by Frank Gaylord of Vermont. They were cast in New York before being brought to DC.
They stand approximately seven feet tall and represent an ethnic mix of America and the soldiers who fought in the Korean War.
The statues are in a juniper brush field and are separated by granite strips. They represent 14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy, and 1 Air Force member. The Juniper Brush field is to represent the rice paddies of Korea that troops would have encountered during the war.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial also features are Mural Wall designed by Louis Nelson from New York. This wall was created in Minnesota before being moved to DC. The memorial wall has 41 panels that extend for 164 feet. The wall includes 2,400 photographs of the Korean War that was in the National Archives.
Make sure and look at the reflections in the Memorial Wall. You will see a total of 38 statues that symbolize the 38th parallel and the 38 months of the Korean War.
To learn more about the Korean War Memorial make sure and check out the National Parks Website.
Check out these letters written from Korean War Memorial soldiers and people who lived through the war. Be prepared with tissues and some time. They really hit you in the heart.
Mural Wall
The Mural Wall was designed by Louis Nelson of New York, NY, and fabricated by Cold Spring Granite Company, Cold Spring, MN.
The mural wall has 41 panels extending 164 feet. The mural wall depicts Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel and their equipment that supported foot soldiers.
How many statues are at the Korean War Memorial?
There are 19 statues created by Vermont sculptor Frank Gaylord.
The statues include 14 soldiers, three Marines, one sailor, and one airman.
When was Korean War Memorial built?
The memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995.
Things to know when planning a visit to the Korean War Memorial
The memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
Interpretive programs are provided throughout the day and upon request.
The closest Metro stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle, on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines.
National Park Sites near the Korean War Veterans Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Check out all of the National Parks in Washington DC
Check out the most visited National Park sites
It is hard to believe that some of the least visited National Park Sites are within Washington DC!
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