Korean War Memorial

June 25, 1950 the 38th Parallel marked the beginning of a war that was to be like no other. Many years have passed since the end of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in North Korea. The American public has all but forgotten the violence and valor that took place there at the fighting man's level. The fiftieth anniversary of the Korean War gives both the armed forces and the nation an opportunity to honor those veterans who served in that bitter war. The battle continues along the present demilitarized zone. The location of this line largely above the 38th Parallel is historic evidence that in Korea, aggression did not pay. In Korea the American soldier with his Korean and United Nations allies fought with bravery and skill against his communist foes.
General Douglas MacArthur said, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." When the last veteran of the Korean War fades into history, he can do so knowing that a memorial will remind future generations of his/her sacrifices in defense of South Korea. The statues depicting fighting men on patrol represent the army, navy, Marine Corps, and air force working together for a common goal - victory. A granite mural of over two thousand sandblasted photographs honors the supporting services that provided supply, medical, spiritual, and fire support to the frontline units.
The United Nations Wall on the opposite side lists the countries that provided troops, medical support, or supplies to help South Korea. These were: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. All these elements point toward the Pool of Remembrance where the sacrifice of 54,246 American lives can be contemplated. It is here where an inscription summarizes the true meaning of the memorial: "OUR NATION HONORS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THEY NEVER MET."