Korean War Veteran Memorial

This memorial is one of the most unique in our nation's capital. Dedicated to the veterans of the Korean War, its sculptures depict nineteen soldiers walking among Juniper bushes, chosen to represent the rough terrain in Korea. These soldiers represent much of the United States ethnic population with Caucasians, African-Americans, two Hispanic, one Asian, and one Native American.

The memorial is larger than life. Its soldiers stand over 7 feet tall and emerge from the trees as if yet more American soldiers are represented behind them. Besides the ethnic groups, the memorial also depicts each branch of the United States armed forces in uniforms and with gear true to those used in the Korean War. After some debate, the Korean War Veterans Memorial was placed alongside the other prominent monuments in the Constitution Gardens. It stands proudly between the Washington and Lincoln memorials and across the reflecting pool from the Vietnam Wall.