Wisconsin’s Korean War Memorial stands as a timeless tribute to a generation of “forgotten” veterans

EXPLORING KOREA: Stories from Milwaukee to the DMZ and across a divided Peninsula. This special series explores historical sites and cultural traditions from across the Korean Peninsula, building a bridge back to the search for identity in Milwaukee. From the occupation of Korea at the end of World War II, to Korean War veterans in Milwaukee, veterans from Milwaukee who served in later years at the DMZ, adopted South Korean children who grew up in Milwaukee, different waves of the South Korean diaspora who moved to Milwaukee to raise their families, and even a defector from North Korea, their stories share generations of Korean and American experiences. https://mkeind.com/koreanstories

Surrounded by the waters of Lake Pacawa in Plover, Wisconsin is the home of the state’s Korean War Veterans Memorial, a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of a generation of veterans from “The Forgotten War.”

The memorial was designed to honor those who fought, died, and remain missing in action on the Korean Peninsula, while also serving as a living reminder of their legacy. The inspiration for the memorial originated in the late 1980s, when a group of Korean War veterans from Wisconsin sought to create a lasting tribute to their fallen comrades.

Recognizing the sacrifices made during what history books often referred to as “America’s Forgotten War,” they aimed to ensure that those sacrifices would be remembered by forming the Korean War Veterans Memorial Association of Wisconsin (KWVMAW).

In 1990, the Village of Plover offered a 2.5-acre island in Lake Pacawa as the site for the memorial. The offer included a 99-year lease at no cost, underscoring the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans. The location, surrounded by the scenic Worzella Pines Park, provided a tranquil and fitting backdrop for the memorial.

Groundbreaking for the memorial took place on May 22, 1993. With $300,000 in matching funds from the Wisconsin Legislature and substantial community donations, the project quickly took shape. By 1997, the memorial was completed, featuring full-sized bronze statues, flagpoles, and a massive granite wall. The dedication ceremony marked the culmination of years of planning, fundraising, and community effort.

The memorial was designed to tell shared stories from different experiences. It features five life-sized statues representing the branches of the military that played critical roles during the Korean War.

In the front of the group stands a Nurse, symbolizing the dedication, compassion, and bravery of Medics who ensured many returned home safely. Behind the Nurse are Army and Marine Infantrymen, representing the relentless courage of those who carried the brunt of battle. Following them is an Air Force Pilot and a Sailor, whose crucial support was indispensable for victory.

The statues face east, a nod to Korea’s location in the Far East. United in their stance, the five figures symbolize the brotherhood forged in combat. Notably, there are no weapons depicted in the Memorial, underscoring the enduring wish of veterans for peace.

Fought from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, a coalition of 21 United Nations member countries contributed to the defense of South Korea. A staggering 1,789,000 Americans served in the Korean War, enduring immense sacrifices with 36,574 lives lost and 103,284 wounded. Among them, 8,176 were taken as POWs or declared MIA, with 7,428 still unaccounted for.

Despite significant contributions in the service of their nation, less than half of the U.S. states have officially designated memorials to honor Korean War veterans. Wisconsin is only one of 16, excluding highways and bridges dedicated with a memorial name.

By contrast, even with Australia’s lesser role in the conflict it has more memorials by one, with a total of 17. The disparity highlights a tragic gap in the recognition of those who served in the often-overlooked war.

The significance of the state’s Korean War Veterans Memorial extends beyond Lake Pacawa Park, reaching across the state through the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Designated by the Wisconsin Legislature, U.S. Highway 51, which runs from the Illinois border to the Michigan border, has been named in honor of the Korean War veterans.

The highway serves as a living memorial to remind travelers of the sacrifices and contributions made by the state’s veterans. The designation was part of the 1987 Wisconsin Act 117, which aimed to honor all Wisconsin veterans of the Korean War, both living and deceased. The highway’s route, which runs concurrently with Interstate 39 in many parts, connects various communities across Wisconsin.

One of several state markers that recognize the Korean War is located along U.S. Highway 51 in Rest Area 82 near Westfield, Wisconsin, The inscription reads:

On June 25, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea. Backed by Soviet Russia, the North Koreans quickly overran most of the peninsula. South Korea appealed to the United States for assistance, and President Harry Truman immediately ordered General Douglas MacArthur to commit U.S. troops. The United Nations condemned North Korean aggression and solicited military aid from member nations.

Following a series of defeats, General MacArthur launched a daring amphibious landing at Inchon in September 1950 and advanced northward to the Yalu River. Then Communist China massively intervened, and the Allied forces retreated southward. The fighting eventually stabilized along the 38th Parallel, the original boundary between North and South Korea. After a long, bloody stalemate and protracted negotiations, an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

The Korean War – or “police action” as it was called – cost 33,629 Americans killed in action and another 103,000 wounded. More than 132,000 Wisconsinites were involved in this “forgotten war,” of whom 801 were killed in action and 4,286 were wounded. Another 111 were captured, and 84 remain listed as missing in action.

The Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial is far from a static monument, it is a living tribute to the sacrifices made by Wisconsin’s service members. Each year, the memorial site hosts a homecoming program, organized by the Greater Plover VFW Post 10262. The event includes an Honor Guard and Firing Party, which brings veterans of all wars, families, and community members together in remembrance.

Even with community support, the memorial has faced challenges over the years. Structural issues arose in 2004 due to drought conditions, which necessitated significant repairs. The restoration efforts were funded through a combination of state appropriations, village contributions, and support from veteran groups. In 2009, the Village of Plover formally took over the maintenance of the memorial, ensuring its preservation for future generations through ongoing community support and donations.

Today, the Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial remains a focal point across the state, and in Lake Pacawa Park. Its amenities include picnic areas, walking trails, and fishing spots, with the park providing a serene environment for visitors. The surroundings of nature also complement the memorial’s location as a place for reflection and remembrance, drawing visitors from all over who wish to offer a silent tribute to the fallen.

Public interest in the memorial remains strong, with the site often providing educational programs for young students in the hope that “America’s Forgotten War” will be remembered in personal stories for decades to come.