Why are there 19 soldiers in the Korean War memorial?
Statues. Perhaps the most iconic feature of the memorial are the 19 stainless steel statues representing the service members who fought in the war. The statues are about 7 feet tall among patches of juniper bushes that symbolize the rice paddies of Korea.
What Army units are stationed in Korea?
2nd Infantry Division (ROK-US Combined Division) The 2nd Infantry Division is the major U.S. ground combat unit in Korea. The Division’s headquarters is located at USAG Humphreys, and its primary mission is to deter war on the Korean Peninsula by maintaining a high state of combat readiness and vigilance.
Why does the monument have juniper bushes planted at the feet of soldiers?
The memorial consists of a platoon of 19 stainless steel soldiers that represent all four branches of the Military: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Juniper bushes planted around the statues make it appear as if the soldiers are walking through a natural landscape. Each soldier weighs nearly 1,000 pounds.
Do you get extra pay for being stationed in Korea?
Hardship Duty Pay is an additional compensation that is determined based on the area stationed in Korea. Soldiers stationed in Ar- ea I, which borders North Korea, are entitled to HDP in the amount of $150.00. Generally, Soldiers in all other areas receive $50.00.
Who funded the Korean War memorial?
The memorial cost $18.1 million to build, and by law, none of that money could come from the United States government. It was entirely funded through donations and fundraisers, including $2 million donated by South Korean businessmen. The Korean War Memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995.
Are there any living Korean War veterans?
There are 500,000 Korean War veterans still living, but about 600 of those die every day, according to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. Of the 2.7 million men and women who served in land forces in Vietnam, only about 600,000 are still alive.
How many black soldiers died in the Korean War?
African-Americans Who Gave Their Lives During the Korean War Of the more than 600,000 African-Americans who served in the armed forces during the Korean War, it is estimated that more than 5,000 died in combat.