The Korean and Vietnam War Memorial, built at a cost of one million dollars, was dedicated on July 24, 1994. The design consists of two winding walls of terraced granite pedestals – one for each war – inscribed with the names of those killed or missing in action. Each pedestal bears the engraved names of the Hawai‘i men who died in the two conflicts. By allowing visitors to reach out and touch individual pedestals, the design offers an opportunity to make a personal connection with those who fought – a connection that heals and enlightens. The memorials wind through the years, revealing more names around each bend and marking time in the toll of human lives. The sunken courtyard represents the descent into the anguish of war. The ascending pedestals, consisting of individual service men marching five abreast, from a moss rock wall, provide a vehicle for rising up and out from despair into a future secured by the sacrifices of those whose names are inscribed on them.
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