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State Veteran's Memorial Rose Garden
Missoula, MT
Welcome to the Montana
Korean War Memorial. Montanans who served and died in what has been termed
"America's Forgotten
War" are no longer forgotten in Montana
where a state memorial was erected in Missoula
MT on 14 June 1997 as a tribute
to their dedication and sacrifice.
Since the late 60's, the Korean War and its veterans slipped into the shadow
of the more controversial Vietnam War. To correct what many perceive as an
oversight, an 18 man committee was formed in September 1995 to raise money to
create the memorial which was dedicated on Flag Day, 14 June 1997 in Missoula's Rose
Memorial Park. The park
is home to memorials for every war and conflict from WW II forward.
In just three years 33665 Americans were killed in action. 3275 died from non
hostile causes and 103284 were wounded. There are still 8176 American service
members missing in action (MIA). 7000 were prisoners of war, 51% of whom died
in prison camps.
Montana lost
138 men in combat in the war.
The memorial is constructed of black academy granite, the same as that used
in the Korean Memorial in Washington D. C. It is located in the State
Veteran's Rose Memorial Park, so designated in April
1999 by Governor Marc Racicot.
The names of the 138 Montana
men who died in combat are etched into the granite slabs. The original design
and artwork was donated by Missoula artist and
Vietnam
veteran, Bruce Haegg Johnson. It features a map of Korea and a
soldier looking down at the helmet of a fallen comrade.
The project would not have been possible without the tremendous outpouring of
love and resources from throughout Montana,
several other states, Canada
and Ireland,
according to C E Crookshanks, Committee Chairman.
The construction of the memorial was funded entirely by donations from
individuals, corporations, civic and veterans groups. There were no government funds of any kind solicited or used in the
project. The war that has been characterized as the "Forgotten War"
is no longer forgotten in Montana.
The memorial stands a symbol that all veterans can look upon and know that we
recognize and honor their patriotism, sense of duty and sacrifice.
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