Remembering Korea: Korean War (Great American Memorials)

Remembering Korea: Korean War (Great American Memorials)

From School Library JournalGr 5-10-This is an efficient and effective explanation of the background, need for, and creation of one of the newest monuments honoring America's past to be constructed on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Ashabranner opens with an emotional description of the 50th-anniversary commemoration of the Communist invasion of South Korea, seamlessly integrating details of the memorial with tales of its many visitors paying tribute to their own memories as well as to the 37,000 Americans who perished in the conflict. Next is a chapter dedicated to providing the historical context of the war itself, but lacking a map. The balance of the book tells of the laborious process involved in creating the Korean War Veterans Memorial-from a Congressional bill to site selection to the casting of the statues-and what all of this "says to America." High-quality photos by the author's daughter and striking archival pictures of those fighting in the conflict are featured throughout. Wrapping up with information on visiting the memorial, this short book will meet the needs of a wide range of users, from interested tourists to reluctant researchers.Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, ILCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Middle readers are given an in-depth tour of this national monument through profiles of important figures, an examination of its planning and creation, and an overview of the history of the war that claimed 35,000 American lives.From BooklistGr. 4-8. The Ashabranners, father and daughter, add to their Great American Memorials series with this tribute to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Dedicated on June 25, 2000, the memorial includes a group of 19 stainless steel statues representing soldiers on patrol, a reflecting pool, and a wall of remembrance. The book begins at the memorial's dedication ceremony and gives an account of the planning, funding, site choice and the controversy surrounding the design. There is also an account of the Korean War. The last chapter comments on how the memorial honors those who fought in the war and reminds readers that "freedom is not free." Links to further information, a source bibliography, and a chronology of the Korean War are appended. Throughout, the writing is crisp and informative; excellent photographs, including evocative, black-and-white photos from the war and color photos of the dedication ceremony, and the memorial expand the text. Carolyn PhelanCopyright