Korean War Memorial

Deborah Copenhaver Fellows, a Montana artist whose father is a Korean War veteran, created the piece "as a way for people to reflect on war and the price it extracts from those who participate."

The sculpture renders three battle-weary soldiers shrouded in rain gear, huddled around a meager campfire. The base of the sculpture depicts a muddied terrain, intended to puddle in Olympia's wet weather. Behind the sculpture fly 22 flags representing each of the nations who joined the U.S. in the war effort. The site includes stone tablets inscribed with the names of Washington state soldiers killed in battle, and informational signs to educate visitors about the conflict. 

In 1989, thanks to the efforts of veterans’ organizations, business owners, and citizens, the Washington State Legislature approved the Korean War Memorial. Fundraising for the memorial was led by Chosin Few, an organization of Korean War veterans. The project represented the gratitude of Washingtonians towards all who served in Korea and their spirit of service, sacrifice, and freedom. Around 122,000 Washington soldiers served in the Korean War, often called the "forgotten war."

The memorial is installed on East Capitol Campus. It was dedicated on July 24, 1993, just days before the 40th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. Nearly 3,500 people attended the ceremony. The memorial originally listed the names of 532 Washington residents killed in Korea, with more names added in 1994, 1998, and 1999.

Inscriptions

The names of all Washingtonians killed in the war and informational plaques about the war are inscribed on the memorial along with:

Korean War Veterans Memorial 1950-1953

The Forgotten War