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Freedom is not free

Take a look inside the Korean War Veterans Memorial

 

Mural Wall

The Korean War began June 25, 1950, with the North Korean army’s invasion of South Korea. In honor of the millions of Americans who served in the three-year conflict, the Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1995 in Washington, D.C. A primary feature is the memorial’s mural wall.

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A new addition completed in 2022 – the Wall of Remembrance – includes the names of 36,574 American service members and more than 7,200 members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army who gave their lives defending the people of South Korea.

 

Pool of Remembrance

At the apex of the triangle-shaped memorial is the Pool of Remembrance. One end of the mural wall extends into the pool area with an impactful reminder written in 10-inch silver letters: FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

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Statues

Perhaps the most iconic feature of the memorial are the 19 stainless steel statues representing the service members who fought in the war. The statues are about 7 feet tall among patches of juniper bushes that symbolize the rice paddies of Korea.

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United Nations Curb

Along the northern side of the field of statues is a curb that features an alphabetical listing of the countries that contributed troops to the United Nations’ efforts during the Korean War.

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Dedication Stone

The triangular shape of the memorial points to the American flag, where the memorial’s dedication stone also rests.

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Honor Roll

A kiosk containing the Korean War Honor Roll stands at the west entrance of the memorial. It’s where visitors can find information about the memorial and those who served in the war.

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Find out how much you know about the conflict sometimes called "The Forgotten War."