Korean War Memorial: A larger-than-life look at the 1950s conflict
We all know from first-hand experience how boring monuments can be for many people and especially to kids. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is an exception to that rule and makes for a fascinating outdoor examination of the Asian conflict for everyone in the family.
It doesn't matter if you or someone you loved has ties to that war. The Memorial – that honors members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Korean War – is one of the most powerful in D.C.
Dedicated on July 27, 1995, the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that finally ended the conflict, the memorial is located adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial and directly across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It's an easy walk from either site.
The best time to visit the monument is at night, preferably after dark. As you walk up the path to the monument you don't see the 19 ethnically diverse "soldiers" – 14 U.S. Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy and 1 Air Force and each just over 7-feet tall – until you're very close.
The expression carved upon each soldier's stainless steel face is almost breathtaking when seen illuminated only by white lights shining from below the statues. The majority of the soldiers are placed in an area filled with granite and Juniper bushes, which add to the realism of soldiers fighting through rugged terrain.
HelloWashington, DC Tip: The heat and humidity in summertime Washington make trips to the memorials untenable for many. The good news is that you can safely visit the memorials as late as midnight.The best way to get to and from the memorial is either by Tourmobile or taxi. There are an extremely limited number of nearby on-street parking spaces, and even Metrorail is a bit of a hike.
Posted by Nancy Dunham
