MKWVM
The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial located in Kansas City, Missouri is the official Korean War veterans memorial for the state of Missouri.
900+
Missouri Military Lives Lost
37,000
American Lives Lost
103,000
Americans Wounded
1.5 Million
Americans Served
Events
The Missouri Times
Veterans, lawmakers celebrate designation of Missouri Korean War memorial in Kansas City.
Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial
Location: Pershing and Main, Kansas City, Missouri
Veterans sing at the dedication of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial
Source: Columbia Missourian
Missouri's Governor and Jefferson City lawmakers to meet with Korean War Veterans
Source: 93.9 The Eagle
Cierpiot Files Missouri Korean War Memorial Legislation
Source: Missourinet.com
About the Korean War
In June of 1950, the United States rushed to the aid of the Republic of South Korea after they came under the attack of communist North Korea. Many thousands of American men and women were called to active duty to assist the effort — barely five years after the conclusion of World War II.
Although in the beginning it was called a “police action”, the war would eventually call over 1,500,000 Americans to serve during the conflict. Before an armistice was signed in July 1953, the lives of nearly 37,000 Americans, 3,100 United Nations soldiers and 47,000 Republic of South Korean soldiers were lost, and over one million South Korean civilians were killed.
An additional 103,000 Americans were wounded. Over 8,000 are still listed as missing in action. Of those who gave their lives to uphold our nation’s freedom and convictions, over 900 were from the state of Missouri, and over 100 were from the Kansas City area.
Our Mission
To perpetuate the legacy of Korean War Veterans present and past, and the over 900 from the State of Missouri who paid the supreme sacrifice and gave their lives to defend against the terrors of communism.
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About the Korean War
In June of 1950, the United States rushed to the aid of the Republic of South Korea after they came under the attack of communist North Korea. Many thousands of American men and women were called to active duty to assist the effort — barely five years after the conclusion of World War II.
Although in the beginning it was called a “police action”, the war would eventually call over 1,500,000 Americans to serve during the conflict. Before an armistice was signed in July 1953, the lives of nearly 37,000 Americans, 3,100 United Nations soldiers and 47,000 Republic of South Korean soldiers were lost, and over one million South Korean civilians were killed.
An additional 103,000 Americans were wounded. Over 8,000 are still listed as missing in action. Of those who gave their lives to uphold our nation’s freedom and convictions, over 900 were from the state of Missouri, and over 100 were from the Kansas City area.
Our Mission
To perpetuate the legacy of Korean War Veterans present and past, and the over 900 from the State of Missouri who paid the supreme sacrifice and gave their lives to defend against the terrors of communism.
Freedom Isn't Free
Your Support Will Honor Our Veterans
News and Events
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Events
The Missouri Times
Veterans, lawmakers celebrate designation of Missouri Korean War memorial in Kansas City.
Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial
Location: Pershing and Main, Kansas City, Missouri
Veterans sing at the dedication of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial
Source: Columbia Missourian
Missouri's Governor and Jefferson City lawmakers to meet with Korean War Veterans
Source: 93.9 The Eagle
Cierpiot Files Missouri Korean War Memorial Legislation
Source: Missourinet.com
Events
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Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14, is one of the most patriotic days of the year, set aside to honor the United States Flag, symbol of our country and symbol of freedom to the world.
On this day the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial hosts an annual Flag Day Flag Retirement Ceremony honoring all veterans of all eras and especially the over 900– including three Medal of Honor recipients from the State of Missouri– who gave their lives in defense of South Korea.
In this sacred ceremony, one cotton cloth 48-star Korean era flag is respectfully retired using proper flag etiquette. A team of veterans bring forth the flag to be retired. As Taps are played and a rifle salute is fired the flag is burned according to official procedure. The American Legion Band adds sights and sounds to the occasion.
This solemn and colorful public event takes place at 10 AM at the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial on Pershing Road between Main and Grand. Keynote Speaker is Vietnam Green Beret veteran and Missouri State Representative Dave Griffith.
The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial was designated the official Korean War memorial for the State of Missouri in Senate Bill No 656 signed by the Governor, July 14, 2020.
In addition to the Flag Day event, the MKWVM also hosts a welcome reception by invitation only the evening before at The Kansas City Plaza Marriott. For more information about MKWVM, visit mokoreanwarmemorial.org.
Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Special Flag Day Flag Retirement Ceremony
mokoreanwarmemorial.org
Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14, is one of the most patriotic days of the year, set aside to honor the United States Flag, symbol of our country and symbol of freedom to the world. On this day the Missou...
Another Marine has reported for duty to guard the streets of heaven.
It is with great sadness that the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board of Directors shares the sad news of the passing of one of its founding board members and great friends, Al Lemieux.
Al was instrumental in the creation of the State of Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial in Kansas City, Mo.
Born in Missouri in 1932, Lemieux enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 and by January 1951 sailed from San Diego to Korea, arriving February 14, 1951. Lemieux served as a Rifleman with the 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division facing action in the Korean War, especially in the Punchbowl area - the site of his last mission. Lemieux was wounded in the Punchbowl battles in September 1951.
Lemieux dedicated many years of service to leading Korean War Veterans Associations and developing memorials to ensure those who served in the “Forgotten War” are not forgotten. He was the Commander of the Kansas City, Mo. Korean War Veterans Association.
“The legacy of the Korean War for me, I had a part in the memorial that was built in Kansas City across from Union Station,” Lemieux told the Korean War Legacy Foundation. “It’s very important we support Korea in every way because there’s a fella up there in the north that’s a danger to Korean people and the world.”
We were honored to work with you, Al.
SEMPER FI, MARINE!
Korean War Veteran Al Lemieux Passes
mokoreanwarmemorial.org
The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board of Directors shares the sad news of the passing of one of Al Lemieux.
Eight Decades - Giving Back to Neighborhood and Country
Paul Rojas – a member of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board – left high school early at the height of the Korean War, planning to “join up” as his brothers before him. Of four brothers, two were already drafted into the Army and one of them already sent to Korea.
Marine recruiters looked a bit askance at Rojas’ ID – a baptism certificate from Our Lady of Guadalupe with the date of birth a little smudged. But Rojas successfully signed up with the U.S. Navy and served 1952-1955, including serving on the USS Bataan – a heavy cruiser converted to an aircraft carrier supporting troops fighting on the Korean Peninsula. When the Korean War Armistice was signed in 1953, Rojas finished his enlistment serving in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands frontline of defense.
Born in 1934, Rojas grew up in Kansas City’s tight-knit Westside neighborhood. He recalls a church-centered neighborhood – the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish – that hasn’t changed much since his childhood. Rojas’ mother died by the time he was 5 years old and families in the neighborhood took the five Rojas brothers in so they wouldn’t be sent to an adoption organization and split up. The community was Rojas’ foundation for lifelong commitment to service and giving back to help others.
“I want to give as much back to my neighborhood that was good to me, and to my country that was good to me,” Rojas said.
In 2023 at the age of 88, Rojas serves as Chairman of the Board Emeritus of Guadalupe Centers, still helping to take care of the people in the neighborhood who took care of him and his family more than 80 years ago.
Following Navy service, Rojas and his wife focused on raising eight children. Rojas was active in the American Legion, founding nearby posts. Politics and elections intrigued the Korean War veteran, and he began working precincts in his westside neighborhood to educate people and inspire them to become politically active to increase Hispanic voices and representation. In 1972, Rojas became the first Latino elected to the Missouri General Assembly where he served until 1978.
More recently, the mayor appointed Rojas to the Kansas City, Mo. Planning Commission which approves most major development project proposals. He is ever watchful of gentrification adversely affecting his neighborhood.
For 10 years, Rojas has served on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial that honors all Missourians who served in the Korean War, especially 900 Missourians who gave their lives in the war.
“For those who lost so much, we should continue to finish the memorial,” Rojas said as he looks forward to helping raise funds to add an impressive sculpture to the memorial. He hopes through the fundraising to educate the Kansas City community to the sacrifices Missourians made in the “Forgotten War.”
“Even the smallest children need to be told about the war and how grateful we are to those who served, and the importance of American involvement so it is not forgotten. We should not forget the war,” Rojas said. “Freedom is never free.”
Written By: Martha Walker
Eight Decades - Giving Back to Neighborhood and Country
mokoreanwarmemorial.org
Paul Rojas, a member of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board, left high school early at the height of the Korean War to “join up”.
Korean War Veteran Al Lemieux Passes
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Eight Decades – Giving Back to Neighborhood and Country
Eight Decades – Giving Back to Neighborhood and Country Paul Rojas – a member of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board – left high
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Chris Cotten – Standing Sentry for Kansas City’s Veterans Memorials In 2021, Chris Cotten returned to Kansas City, Mo. with 16 years of experience to
