Boulder from a Korean battlefield
Faithe JonesKOREAN WAR 1950 -1953
Australian National Korean War Memorial The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korean forces invaded the South. 17,000 Australians fought under the United Nations Command until the armistice in July 1953. This memorial commemorates and honours those who died and served. The memorial was designed by the ANKWM Design Group (Les Kossatz, Augustine Dall`Ava, David Bullpit, Sand Helsel) in conjunction with the architectural firm, Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd to a statement of requirements by the Australian National Korean War Memorial Committee, The design characterises the period of the Korean War. The use of white and grey tones in the memorial, and granite and gravel, recall the harsh climate and terrain in Korea - lasting impressions of those who fought there. A central walkway leads to a semi - enclosed contemplative space. A boulder from a Korean battlefield is a commemorative focal point and a word in Korean script represents `Peace and Independence` A scroll recognises the 21 countries that committed combat or medical units to the United Nations Command. On both sides of the memorial are figures representing the Australian, sailors, soldiers and airmen who served in Korea. Battlefield boulders are set in fields of stainless steel poles which symbolise those who died. The obelisk commemorates those who died with no known grave. The inscription, taken from the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Pusan, is a poignant link with the Australians who are buried there.
