Who Built the Korean War Veterans Memorial?
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean War. Located in Washington D.C., the memorial is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in the conflict. But who built this iconic monument?
The Design and Construction
The Korean War Veterans Memorial was designed by a team of architects and artists led by Louis Kahn, a renowned American architect. Kahn’s design was chosen from among 500 entries in a national competition held in 1986. The memorial was constructed by Hunt-Midwest Construction Company, a leading construction firm based in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Memorial’s Design
The memorial is a striking example of modern architecture, featuring 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in various poses, depicting the harsh conditions and struggles faced by those who served in Korea. The statues are arranged in a circular pattern, with a Pool of Remembrance at the center, surrounded by a Wall of Remembrance inscribed with the names of the 36,516 American service members who died during the war.
The Statues
The 19 statues, designed by Emilio Sanchez, are each approximately 7 feet tall and weigh around 1,000 pounds. The statues are made of stainless steel and are designed to withstand the elements. Each statue is unique, depicting a different soldier in a different pose, such as standing, kneeling, or crouching. The statues are meant to evoke a sense of movement and energy, conveying the sense of urgency and danger faced by those who served in Korea.
The Pool of Remembrance
The Pool of Remembrance is a large, rectangular pool of water that surrounds the statues. The pool is designed to represent the "sea of tranquility" that soldiers often found themselves in during the war. The pool is surrounded by a series of "boulders", which are actually large, granite blocks that bear the names of the war’s major battles.
The Wall of Remembrance
The Wall of Remembrance is a long, curved wall that surrounds the memorial, inscribed with the names of the 36,516 American service members who died during the war. The wall is made of black granite and is designed to resemble a "book of remembrance", with the names of the fallen soldiers etched into the stone.
The Memorial’s Significance
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by those who served in the war. The memorial is a reminder of the "Forgotten War", which was often overshadowed by the more popular World War II and Vietnam War. The memorial is also a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and died in Korea, and serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served our country.
Interesting Facts
- The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995.
- The memorial is located on a 2.5-acre site in Washington D.C.’s West Potomac Park.
- The memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- The memorial is managed by the National Park Service.
- The memorial has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1 million visitors each year.
Conclusion
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean War. The memorial was designed by Louis Kahn and constructed by Hunt-Midwest Construction Company, and features 19 stainless steel statues, a Pool of Remembrance, and a Wall of Remembrance. The memorial is a significant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the war, and serves as a powerful symbol of the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served our country.
