In 1953, the United States invaded Korea to help the Republic of Korea free itself from the communist tyranny of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Over the next three years, one month and two days, 92,134 American soldiers would be wounded, 4,759 would go missing forever and 36,516 would be killed.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial, in Washington D.C. stands as a remembrance to some of America’s best and bravest soldiers, many of whom paid the ultimate price to keep our country, our democracy and our allies safe.

The memorial includes the Pool of Remembrance, a shallow 30-foot-wide circular pool, lined with “Academy Black” granite. But the highlight of the memorial is most definitely the sculpture scene, which depicts 19 soldiers traversing Korea’s rough terrain. The expressions and poses of the soldiers are hauntingly realistic, and serve as an appropriate and humbling reminder of the tragedy and horror of war.

A plaque at the memorial reads:

“OUR NATION HONORS
HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS
WHO ANSWERED THE CALL
TO DEFEND A COUNTRY
THEY NEVER KNEW
AND A PEOPLE
THEY NEVER MET
1950 – KOREA – 1953”

If you’re in Washington, D.C. and exploring the city’s sites, this memorial is not to be missed. The memorial is located at the National Mall, which features a number of memorials and monuments.