Our nation’s capital is home to a wide range of important American sites, documents, and monuments. It may make the headlines for politics, but it wouldn’t even be standing if not for those remembered through the various memorials found throughout the city. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a grand tribute to the Americans and South Koreans that fought to help maintain peace in Asia while preserving democracy in the region. Sadly, it’s far from perfect, but new efforts continue to rectify these mistakes. Despite its imperfections, the memorial remains a testament to the skill and will of those who sacrificed so that others may live freely. Read next:43,000 Korean War Memorial Wall Names Added in New Installation

The Korean War Veterans Memorial: A Beautiful Gesture Marred by Errors

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a fitting tribute, but that doesn’t mean it's perfect. Several names of both American and Korean troops killed during the conflict are misspelled on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance. Now, efforts are taking place to fix the mistakes. South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is looking to rectify these errors at the memorial’s newest addition. As it stands, the Wall of Remembrance has 36,634 names for American Soldiers and names of 7,174 Korean Augmentation to U.S. Army personnel. The New York Times first reported that the Korean War Wall of Remembrance set hundreds of errors in stone, totaling 1,015 misspelled names. On top of this, there are 245 names of service members listed that didn’t die during the Korean War, and around 500 names that did are missing altogether.

Not the Only Controversy

Issues about the wall happened before the wall was finished being constructed, with some researchers estimating over 2,000 errors with names in the government database. It’s been difficult for some families, specifically Latinos, to identify their loved ones due to errors in naming those who are honored. But this isn’t the first controversy to arise on the topic. The Pentagon claimed for years that over 50,000 Americans died as a result of the Korean War, an inflated figure that would make its way into the memorial all the same. Finally, the Pentagon would correct itself in 2000, stating the official figure was 36,516 deaths as a result of the conflict.

When Was the Korean War Veterans Memorial Built?

Dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial was held on July 27, 1995. This followed its construction, which began at its groundbreaking ceremony held on June 14, 1992, also known as Flag Day. The Korean War Veterans Memorial features the Pool of Remembrance, but arguably, its most striking and well-known component remains the triangular Field of Service. It’s here that visitors will find 19 Soldiers depicted on a field of combat. Visitors can also find the Wall of Remembrance where the names of those who fought and gave their lives during the war are remembered. The granite mural wall also has photographs of those who fought in the conflict. There's also a statue of a patrol squad in their memory. The Korean War was a bloody conflict that cost millions of lives, including tens of thousands of American troops, with more than 100,000 being wounded. Communism was viewed as a continued threat, and stopping the invasion from North Korea became a major priority. Sadly, such efforts come at a cost, but today, America remains free thanks to those who sacrificed to keep it that way. The same is true for our allies, including South Korea, who suffered mightily but would ultimately remain free as a result of the war.

Where Is the Korean War Veterans Memorial Located?

You can find the Korean War Veterans Memorial at 900 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024, in a memorial park. Nearby are several popular attractions, including the Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial, and National Mall. Visitors can enter the site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it’s free to the public. Managed by the National Park Service, it’s a popular choice for millions of Americans each year, including tourists, families, Veterans, and school groups. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation also helps ensure the site is well taken care of. When planning a trip, it’s also important to remember that the area is one of respect, and a solemn approach should be conducted. There are plenty of other attractions nearby, and visiting the memorial continues to be an American staple that everyone should experience at least once. Additionally, while not connected, there are several other remembrances in the same vein across the country. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge in Nashville, TN, is a great example.

Who Designed the Korean War Veterans Memorial?

Louis Nelson, an American architect, designed the memorial, along with a team of additional architects, designers, and sculptors. Frank Gaylord was the one who sculpted the iconic segment featuring the 19 troops. Today, around 3 million annual visitors take a trip to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in awe of its beauty and the sacrifices that it represents. Despite the errors that are being rectified as we speak, the memorial will always be a beautiful and somber representation of people and struggles that we should always keep in mind. Suggested read:Korean War Dates: Three Years of Battle, a Lifetime of Recovery

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo By: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Chase Baran