"Freedom Is Not Free"
This is the inscription on the wall of the Korean
War Veterans Memorial,
Washington DC.
Congress authorized the construction of a memorial to honor those who served in the Korean War on October 28, 1986. Groundbreaking occurred in November 1993. Finally this memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995 by President William Jefferson Clinton and Kim Young Sam, President of the Republic of Korea. It is important to note that July 27, 1995 was the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War.
As a visitor entering the
memorial,
you first see the triangle shaped
"Field
of Service." There are 19
stainless steel statues
here, all created by W.W.II
Veteran Frank
Gaylord.
These dramatic statues
depict a squad on patrol
and serves to remind us of
the experience
American ground troops had in Korea.
Strips of black granite
and juniper bushes between
and all around the statues suggest the harsh Korean terrain. The statues are wearing
"windblown" ponchos
so we would know of the very harsh weather
conditions that our men fought in
during
the Korean War.
To one side of the "Field of Service" is a granite curb upon which is written the names of the 22 countries of the United Nations that sent troops or offered medical support to South Korea.
To the other side of the
statues is a long highly polished wall
of
black granite seen here in the background.
It not only reflects the statues but is etched
with the faces of
servicemen from
all branches
of the military that served in
Korea. The
etchings were created by
Louis Nelson. These faces represent all those who gave support
to the combat
ground
troops. And yes...there is a
nurse among them !
At the end of this massive
granite wall is a secluded, quiet place...the "Pool
of Remembrance."
Here
numbers are carved in stone for those killed,
missing in
action, wounded and held as POWs.
This is truly a place of peace and honor.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is truly a beautiful way to honor those that answered America's call to duty. And you should know that 131 Congressional Medals of Honor, this countries highest honor for combat bravery, were awarded to Korean War servicemen.
©2000-2003 Chip Feise Location Photography All Rights Reserved