Rhode Island Korean War Memorial
Dublin Core
Title
Rhode Island Korean War Memorial
Subject (Topic)
Subject (Topic)
Memorial Park--Rhode Island--Providence
Downtown--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Memorial Park--Rhode Island--Providence
Downtown--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Subject (Object)
Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture
Commemorative sculpture
Description
The Rhode Island Korean War Memorial is primarily composed of a six-foot-tall realist bronze casting of a soldier. The soldier sits atop the monument’s base, which is inscribed with the words "In Tribute to Rhode Island Korean War Veterans." The soldier is depicted on one knee, resting his knee on a round surface that represents the ground atop the monument’s base. He is wearing a baggy soldier’s uniform including boots, trousers, a helmet, and an oversized raincoat. He is holding his gun upright and his hood is pulled up over his head, perhaps to protect himself from the cold, the wind, or an incoming storm. His face is directed towards the ground, and he has a solemn, almost despondent, look.
The memorial is surrounded by a walkway of 1,500 engraved red and white bricks. The white bricks include the names of the 145 Rhode Islanders who were killed in action and the 55 who are missing in action. The red bricks include the names of other Rhode Islanders who fought in the war. Each inscribed red brick was purchased in tribute to an individual who served, and these purchases served as the main source of funding for the memorial. Behind the monument, flags are displayed, including the city of Providence’s flag, the Rhode Island state flag, the United States flag, and the South Korean flag. Flanking the monument are two markers - one marker is inscribed with the members of the Korean War Memorial Commission of Rhode Island and the other lists major benefactors of the memorial. There are also two benches on the walkway which each face the statue, giving visitors a spot for introspection.
The memorial is surrounded by a walkway of 1,500 engraved red and white bricks. The white bricks include the names of the 145 Rhode Islanders who were killed in action and the 55 who are missing in action. The red bricks include the names of other Rhode Islanders who fought in the war. Each inscribed red brick was purchased in tribute to an individual who served, and these purchases served as the main source of funding for the memorial. Behind the monument, flags are displayed, including the city of Providence’s flag, the Rhode Island state flag, the United States flag, and the South Korean flag. Flanking the monument are two markers - one marker is inscribed with the members of the Korean War Memorial Commission of Rhode Island and the other lists major benefactors of the memorial. There are also two benches on the walkway which each face the statue, giving visitors a spot for introspection.
Creator
Shure, Robert, 1948-
Paul King Foundry, Johnston
Paul King Foundry, Johnston
Source
Photographs by Eric Sung, Professor, Providence College
Date
October 8, 1998
Contributor
Korean War Memorial Commission of Rhode Island: John H. Chafee; Vincent A. Cianci Jr.; Theodore F. Low; Joseph T. Corrente; Howard F. Brown; Robert W. Kenny Jr.; G. Helene Rench; Maurice P. Trottier; Matthew J. Strumski.
Benefactors: The Ballou Family Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local #1 of Rhode Island; The Chace Family; CVS; Fleet; The Grant Sherburne Foundation; Ocean State Chapter #1; The June Rockwell Levy Foundation; Frederick Lippitt; William N. Makepeace; Duncan H. Mauran; Robert Melucci; Thomas A. Pagliarini; City of Providence; The Rhode Island Foundation; Rhode Island Legislature
Benefactors: The Ballou Family Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local #1 of Rhode Island; The Chace Family; CVS; Fleet; The Grant Sherburne Foundation; Ocean State Chapter #1; The June Rockwell Levy Foundation; Frederick Lippitt; William N. Makepeace; Duncan H. Mauran; Robert Melucci; Thomas A. Pagliarini; City of Providence; The Rhode Island Foundation; Rhode Island Legislature
Rights
City of Providence, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Format
JPEG
Language
English
Type
Visual Arts-Sculpture
Coverage
Memorial Park, South Main Street, Providence. Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Has Part
Inscription on granite base of statue:
In Tribute To
Rhode Island Korean War Veterans
Inscription on granite tablet on pathway (left):
Korean War Memorial
Commission of Rhode Island:
Honorary Chairmen
Honorable John H. Chafee
Honorable Vincent A. Cianci Jr.
Chairman
Theodore F. Low
Co-Chairman
Joseph T. Corrente
Commission Members
Howard F. Brown
Robert W. Kenny Jr.
G. Helene Rench
Maurice P. Trottier
Matthew J. Strumski
Dedicated 8 October 1998
Inscription on granite tablet on pathway (right):
Benefactors
The Ballou Family Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen
Local #1 of Rhode Island
The Chace Family
CVS
Fleet
The Grant Sherburne Foundation
Ocean State Chapter #1
The June Rockwell Levy Foundation
Frederick Lippitt
William N. Makepeace
Duncan H. Mauran
Robert Melucci
Thomas A. Pagliarini
The City of Providence
The Rhode Island Foundation
The Rhode Island Legislature
In Tribute To
Rhode Island Korean War Veterans
Inscription on granite tablet on pathway (left):
Korean War Memorial
Commission of Rhode Island:
Honorary Chairmen
Honorable John H. Chafee
Honorable Vincent A. Cianci Jr.
Chairman
Theodore F. Low
Co-Chairman
Joseph T. Corrente
Commission Members
Howard F. Brown
Robert W. Kenny Jr.
G. Helene Rench
Maurice P. Trottier
Matthew J. Strumski
Dedicated 8 October 1998
Inscription on granite tablet on pathway (right):
Benefactors
The Ballou Family Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen
Local #1 of Rhode Island
The Chace Family
CVS
Fleet
The Grant Sherburne Foundation
Ocean State Chapter #1
The June Rockwell Levy Foundation
Frederick Lippitt
William N. Makepeace
Duncan H. Mauran
Robert Melucci
Thomas A. Pagliarini
The City of Providence
The Rhode Island Foundation
The Rhode Island Legislature
Medium
Bronze; Brick
Bibliographic Citation
"Korean War Memorial Unveiled as Reminder of Soldiers’ Sacrifice." Providence Journal, July 28, 1993.
McCarthy, Dave. "Korean War Vets to Be Honored in Ceremonies Marking Liberation." Providence Journal, August 7, 1995.
Taylor, Betsy. "Work Begins on Memorial to Korean War Veterans." Providence Journal, June 1, 1997.
"Party for Vietnam Vets To Be a Welcome Home. Korean Marker in Providence." Providence Journal, July 28, 1997.
Mingis, Ken. "Memory of War Molded in Bronze." Providence Journal, August 1, 1997.
"Regional News Briefs: Providence. Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, August 5, 1997.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Vets Win Victory for Comrades in Arms." Providence Journal, August 5, 1997.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Veterans Hail Plan for Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, August 8, 1997.
Kerr, Bob. "This Memorial Will Remind Us of a Forgotten War." Providence Journal, October 6, 1997.
McCarthy, Dave. "Korean Warm Memorial Nears Reality, Bit by Bit." Providence Journal, October 28, 1997.
Chivers, C.J. "Buy a Brick, Support New Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, November 11, 1997.
"Korean War Veterans Memorial. The Memorial Walkway. A Tribute to Rhode Island’s Korean War Veterans. Help Pave the Way." Providence Journal, November 16, 1997.
McCarthy, Dave. "Thank You, Pack 5." Providence Journal, January 19, 1998.
"Korean War Veterans Memorial. The Memorial Walkway. A Tribute to Rhode Island’s Korean War Veterans. Help Pave the Way." Providence Journal, January 25, 1998.
McCarthy, Dave. "A Visible Reminder of ‘The Forgotten War’." Providence Journal, April 6, 1998.
"Korean War Veterans Memorial. Memorial Day, Father’s Day: Remembrance Opportunities. The Upcoming Memorial Day and Father’s Day Holiday are Excellent Occasions for Honoring Loved Ones in the Korean War Memorial Walkway." Providence Journal, May 17, 1998.
Olkon, Sarah. "Korean War Veteran’s Bravery Recalled." Providence Journal, May 26, 1998.
Ad. "Ocean State Chapter #1, The Korean War Veterans Association and The Korean War Memorial Commission of Rhode Island is Pleased to Invite You to Attend a Special Ceremony." Providence Journal, July 23, 1998.
McCarthy, Dave. "Korean War No Longer ‘Forgotten’ in R.I." Providence Journal, July 27, 1998
McCarthy, Dave. "This Time, the Real VIPs Will Get the Best Seats." Providence Journal, September 28, 1998.
McCarthy, Dave. "Grant Will Help Expand, Improve Exeter Cemetery. Korean Monument Dedication." Providence Journal, October 5, 1998.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Monumental Efforts. After Two Years of Planning, a Korean War Memorial Takes Shape in Providence." Providence Journal, October 5, 1998.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Johnston Foundry Makes Monumental Effort." Providence Journal, October 7, 1998.
"Korean War Memorial Dedicated. ‘They Call It a Forgotten War, But What It Should Be Called Is the Forgotten Victory.’" Providence Journal, October 9, 1998.
Low, Theodore F. "Lest We Forget the Sacrifices that American G.Is made in Korea." Providence Journal, October 17, 1998.
"Letters to the Editor. Jim Carr, Light Up the Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, March 5, 1999.
"Letters to the Editor. Theodore F. Low, We’re Hoping to Light Up the Memorial." Providence Journal, March 13, 1999.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Eternal Friends Salute. Special Tribute at Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, November 12, 1999.
Davis, Karen A. "The March of Time. Students Recapture Spirit Civil Rights Event." Providence Journal, March 27, 2001.
Shea, Neil. "Cast and Crew. Foundry Workers Bring Art to Life." Providence Journal, January 7, 2004.
Reilly, George W. "VA’s Hepatitis C Website Aimed at Veterans, Medical Practitioners. Deadline Set for Ordering War Memorial Bricks." Providence Journal, March 22, 2004.
"Communities List Plans for Memorial Day Rites." Providence Journal, May 28, 2004.
Needham, Cynthia. "Never Enough Memorials. Korean War Veterans Honored in Holiday Ceremony." Providence Journal, June 1, 2004.
Mider, Zachary R. "Group Gears Up for Station Memorial." Providence Journal, August 30, 2004.
"Metro Digest. $5,000 Grant Goes to War Memorial." Providence Journal, November 10, 2004.
Reilly, George W. "Korean War Memorial Needs Donations for Long-Term Maintenance." Providence Journal, February 28, 2005.
Stape, Andrea L."Veterans Seek Appeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’." Providence Journal, November 12, 2005
Brussat, David. "Monuments and the Memorial." Providence Journal, November 22, 2007.
"A Memorable Monument." Providence Journal, December 2, 2007.
Patinkin, Mark. "Honoring a Friend Who Never Made It Back from Korea" Providence Journal, December 9, 2007.
Reilly, George W. "Veterans Awareness Motorcycle Ride Rolls through R. I. Tomorrow. Last Chance for Korean War Memorial Bricks." Providence Journal, May 19, 2008.
Reilly, George W. "Work Group Formed to Focus on Health Care of Female Veterans. Veterans Remember Korean Cease Fire." Providence Journal, July 21, 2008.
Reilly, George W. "Iraq Veterans Sought to Take Part in Health Survey. Korean War Memorial Fundraising Successful." Providence Journal, November 18, 2008.
Hill, John. "War’s Changing Face. 20th-Century War Monuments Reflect Our Changing Views of Sacrifice." Providence Journal, May 25, 2009.
Reilly, George W. "More Veterans to Be Eligible for Care. Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, June 22, 2009.
"Korean War Veterans Pay Tribute." Providence Journal, July 29, 2010.
Reilly, George W. "Hiring Heroes Act Would Aid Unemployed Vets. Korean War Remembrance July 27." Providence Journal, July 18, 2011.
Elsworth, Peter C. T. "On a Quest Through Downtown Providence." Providence Journal, September 1, 2016.
Obituary. "Caldwell, George W." Providence Journal, December 14, 2016.
Reilly, George W. "Questions to Ask Before a Veteran Dies. Korean War Memorial Ceremony on July 27." Providence Journal, July 16, 2018.
McCarthy, Dave. "Korean War Vets to Be Honored in Ceremonies Marking Liberation." Providence Journal, August 7, 1995.
Taylor, Betsy. "Work Begins on Memorial to Korean War Veterans." Providence Journal, June 1, 1997.
"Party for Vietnam Vets To Be a Welcome Home. Korean Marker in Providence." Providence Journal, July 28, 1997.
Mingis, Ken. "Memory of War Molded in Bronze." Providence Journal, August 1, 1997.
"Regional News Briefs: Providence. Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, August 5, 1997.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Vets Win Victory for Comrades in Arms." Providence Journal, August 5, 1997.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Veterans Hail Plan for Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, August 8, 1997.
Kerr, Bob. "This Memorial Will Remind Us of a Forgotten War." Providence Journal, October 6, 1997.
McCarthy, Dave. "Korean Warm Memorial Nears Reality, Bit by Bit." Providence Journal, October 28, 1997.
Chivers, C.J. "Buy a Brick, Support New Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, November 11, 1997.
"Korean War Veterans Memorial. The Memorial Walkway. A Tribute to Rhode Island’s Korean War Veterans. Help Pave the Way." Providence Journal, November 16, 1997.
McCarthy, Dave. "Thank You, Pack 5." Providence Journal, January 19, 1998.
"Korean War Veterans Memorial. The Memorial Walkway. A Tribute to Rhode Island’s Korean War Veterans. Help Pave the Way." Providence Journal, January 25, 1998.
McCarthy, Dave. "A Visible Reminder of ‘The Forgotten War’." Providence Journal, April 6, 1998.
"Korean War Veterans Memorial. Memorial Day, Father’s Day: Remembrance Opportunities. The Upcoming Memorial Day and Father’s Day Holiday are Excellent Occasions for Honoring Loved Ones in the Korean War Memorial Walkway." Providence Journal, May 17, 1998.
Olkon, Sarah. "Korean War Veteran’s Bravery Recalled." Providence Journal, May 26, 1998.
Ad. "Ocean State Chapter #1, The Korean War Veterans Association and The Korean War Memorial Commission of Rhode Island is Pleased to Invite You to Attend a Special Ceremony." Providence Journal, July 23, 1998.
McCarthy, Dave. "Korean War No Longer ‘Forgotten’ in R.I." Providence Journal, July 27, 1998
McCarthy, Dave. "This Time, the Real VIPs Will Get the Best Seats." Providence Journal, September 28, 1998.
McCarthy, Dave. "Grant Will Help Expand, Improve Exeter Cemetery. Korean Monument Dedication." Providence Journal, October 5, 1998.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Monumental Efforts. After Two Years of Planning, a Korean War Memorial Takes Shape in Providence." Providence Journal, October 5, 1998.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Johnston Foundry Makes Monumental Effort." Providence Journal, October 7, 1998.
"Korean War Memorial Dedicated. ‘They Call It a Forgotten War, But What It Should Be Called Is the Forgotten Victory.’" Providence Journal, October 9, 1998.
Low, Theodore F. "Lest We Forget the Sacrifices that American G.Is made in Korea." Providence Journal, October 17, 1998.
"Letters to the Editor. Jim Carr, Light Up the Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, March 5, 1999.
"Letters to the Editor. Theodore F. Low, We’re Hoping to Light Up the Memorial." Providence Journal, March 13, 1999.
Dujardin, Richard C. "Eternal Friends Salute. Special Tribute at Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, November 12, 1999.
Davis, Karen A. "The March of Time. Students Recapture Spirit Civil Rights Event." Providence Journal, March 27, 2001.
Shea, Neil. "Cast and Crew. Foundry Workers Bring Art to Life." Providence Journal, January 7, 2004.
Reilly, George W. "VA’s Hepatitis C Website Aimed at Veterans, Medical Practitioners. Deadline Set for Ordering War Memorial Bricks." Providence Journal, March 22, 2004.
"Communities List Plans for Memorial Day Rites." Providence Journal, May 28, 2004.
Needham, Cynthia. "Never Enough Memorials. Korean War Veterans Honored in Holiday Ceremony." Providence Journal, June 1, 2004.
Mider, Zachary R. "Group Gears Up for Station Memorial." Providence Journal, August 30, 2004.
"Metro Digest. $5,000 Grant Goes to War Memorial." Providence Journal, November 10, 2004.
Reilly, George W. "Korean War Memorial Needs Donations for Long-Term Maintenance." Providence Journal, February 28, 2005.
Stape, Andrea L."Veterans Seek Appeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’." Providence Journal, November 12, 2005
Brussat, David. "Monuments and the Memorial." Providence Journal, November 22, 2007.
"A Memorable Monument." Providence Journal, December 2, 2007.
Patinkin, Mark. "Honoring a Friend Who Never Made It Back from Korea" Providence Journal, December 9, 2007.
Reilly, George W. "Veterans Awareness Motorcycle Ride Rolls through R. I. Tomorrow. Last Chance for Korean War Memorial Bricks." Providence Journal, May 19, 2008.
Reilly, George W. "Work Group Formed to Focus on Health Care of Female Veterans. Veterans Remember Korean Cease Fire." Providence Journal, July 21, 2008.
Reilly, George W. "Iraq Veterans Sought to Take Part in Health Survey. Korean War Memorial Fundraising Successful." Providence Journal, November 18, 2008.
Hill, John. "War’s Changing Face. 20th-Century War Monuments Reflect Our Changing Views of Sacrifice." Providence Journal, May 25, 2009.
Reilly, George W. "More Veterans to Be Eligible for Care. Korean War Memorial." Providence Journal, June 22, 2009.
"Korean War Veterans Pay Tribute." Providence Journal, July 29, 2010.
Reilly, George W. "Hiring Heroes Act Would Aid Unemployed Vets. Korean War Remembrance July 27." Providence Journal, July 18, 2011.
Elsworth, Peter C. T. "On a Quest Through Downtown Providence." Providence Journal, September 1, 2016.
Obituary. "Caldwell, George W." Providence Journal, December 14, 2016.
Reilly, George W. "Questions to Ask Before a Veteran Dies. Korean War Memorial Ceremony on July 27." Providence Journal, July 16, 2018.
Rights Holder
Department of Art, Culture, Tourism, City of Providence
Geolocation
Citation
Shure, Robert, 1948-
Paul King Foundry, Johnston
, “Rhode Island Korean War Memorial,” Commemorative Works of Providence, accessed March 31, 2026, https://monuments.artculturetourism.com/items/show/68.