FAQs
Q. Why is the memorial being built?
A. Currently, North Carolina has no Korean War Veterans Memorial to honor the 789 North Carolinians killed or missing in action during the Korean War (1950 – 1953) it will also honor all Korean War veterans who have served in the defense of South Korea’s Freedoms.
Q. Who is Building the Memorial?
A. Chapter 265 of the N. C. Korean War Veteran’s Association which is headquartered in Mint Hill, NC and whose membership includes Korean War and Korean service veterans as well as friends and families of those who served and continue to serve in Korea.
Q. Who is paying for the memorial?
A. The funding will come from several sources including the sales of memorial and honor pavers, local businesses, the Town of Mint Hill, Korean � American Associations, and from the State of North Carolina and the government of South Korea.
Q. How much money is needed to build the memorial?
A. It is estimated to cost approximately$250.000.00 of which $65.000.00 has been raised as of October, 2008
Q. Are donations and contributions tax deductible?
A, Yes, we are a 501 ( c ) 19 non-profit organization, our EIN number is 36-4502788
Q. Who is the architect?
A. Mr. Kent Goolsby, a Vietnam Veteran, he was awarded the Silver Star. He has designed other war memorials in other states.
Q. Where will the memorial be located?
A. In Mint Hill, N.C. at the Park on Fairview located at the intersection of NC highway 218 and Interstate 485. It will be easily accessible to visitors from North and South Carolina and other states.
Q. Will there be a charge to visit the memorial?
A. Absolutely not. The Town of Mint Hill will maintain the memorial which will be open all year to all visitors at no charge.
Q. What will the monument look like?
A. The main part of the memorial will be encircled with a 188 foot double wall planter with dwarf hollies. In the center will be an eternal fountain in the shape of the Korean Taeguek which is a part of the South Korean flag. Four eleven foot black granite pillars will surround the fountain and will include the names of the 789 North Carolinians who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of South Korea and the United States. Granite benches will face each of the four pillars. Two life sized statues of American soldiers will also be a part of the monument. The memorial will be surrounded by granite benches and small flowering plum trees.
Q. Where will the pavers be placed?
A. The honor and memory pavers will be laid in concrete in all walking areas of the memorial.
Q. Can a Non-Korean War veteran purchase an honor or memory paver?
A. Absolutely. Anyone who wishes to support this project will be able to purchase pavers, benches and live flowering tree with marker.
Q. Can other veterans be honored or just those who served in Korea?
A. Any veteran, or the memory of any veteran of the United States Military from George Washington’s Army to the present will be honored. This includes veterans of all Nations that fought Communist aggression throughout the world.
Q. Where can I receive additional information on the worthwhile project?
A. You may contact Chapter 265 of the Korean War Veterans Association at the following address
NC Korean War Veterans Association PO Box 690158 Charlotte NC 28227-7002 www.nckwmemorial.org
Or contact the following Memorial Committeemen
Billy J. Reid Colonel USAF (Ret)
704-392-4981
billr@jacksonpark.org
(Mon- Tue � thur)
Don G Putnam Capt USAF KW VET
704 496 4709
donput@juno.com
Q. When is the memorial scheduled for completion?
A. Target date for the dedication is June 25, 2009.
Q. Why that date?
A. June 25, 2009 will be the 59th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War.
Q. Can Business and Corporations purchase pavers?
A. Absolutely, we recommend the 24×24x2 paver honoring employees who served their country with pride. We welcome all civic, church groups and other benevolent orders to include their logo at an additional cost.
Fact: The Korean War began June 25, 1950 and ended in an Armistice July 27, 1953. No peace agreement has ever been signed. 1,239 American soldiers stationed along the DMZ demilitarized zone have given their lives in the line of duty from July 1954 to now.
Fact: The Forgotten war/ in three years
54,246 U.S. Dead
36,651 U.S. Killed in Action
103,000 U.S. Wounded
8,179 U.S. Missing in Action
7,134 U.S. Prisoners of War: only 3,450 returned
. 51% died in prison camps. U.S. POWs Unaccounted for.
389 KIA/MIA from North Carolina
789 Note: 22 different Nations united into one powerful army
To halt Communist aggression.
The first United Nations Army was the Korean War.
The first jet aircraft war.
Korean War Veterans are now in their late 70s or 80s; they are leaving us at the rate of 1,400 a day. The memorial will be their legacy.