The Korean War Veterans Memorial
This memorial is located within walking distance of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and across from the Lincoln Memorial. This privately funded commemorative space in honor of the soldiers who fought in the Korean War of the 1950s is more traditional (as were the Cold War politics of that war), and it serves as a powerful counterpoint to the Wall.
Like life-size chess pieces, 19 statues of American servicemen, some wearing ponchos, are posed in various stages of advancement toward an imaginary hill where an American flag and a reflecting pool wait.
Like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial also has a black granite reflective wall, at the top of which are the words “Freedom Is Not Free.” Etched on the surface of this wall are the faces of soldiers, chaplains, and war personnel, and around the perimeter of the memorial is a raised gray-granite curb that lists the 22 nations that sent men to this conflict. Though much shorter in duration (1950 to 1953), this war had almost as many casualties as the Vietnam War.
Location and Hours
The memorial is located between 22nd and 23rd Streets, directly across the street from the Lincoln Memorial. If you don't mind a fairly long walk, you can reach the memorial from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. The memorial is open from 8 A.M. until midnight. There are restrooms, a bookstore, and concessions.
