Honoring the memories of a war generation and the sacrifices of veterans, a lasting monument will rise in Aurora’s Generals Park
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Korean War Memorial will be held at Generals Park in Aurora on Tuesday, September 23, at 2:00 p.m. The event is organized by the UN Heritage for Korean War Memorial Foundation and has been made possible through the Adams County Open Space Grant and the continued support of the local community.
The memorial will be built at 1561 North Quentin Street in Aurora to honor the soldiers of the United States and 22 United Nations member nations who fought in what is often called the “Forgotten War.” The site will feature 16 storyboards, 22 monuments honoring veterans of each participating nation, and four traditional Korean gardens. Designed with walking paths, rest areas, drought-resistant landscaping, native plants, and sustainable materials, the memorial will provide a place of reflection, healing, and learning for veterans, their families, and the wider community.
Chairman Seungwoo Lee said, “Freedom is never free. The purpose of this memorial is to honor those who paid the ultimate price. With the steadfast support of Adams County, the City of Aurora, corporate partners, and the Korean American community, more than ten years of effort has finally borne fruit.”
Co-Chair Suegie Park, who experienced the war as a child, recalled her vivid memories. “I still remember the bombs, the ruined buildings, and the bodies that filled the streets of Seoul. Korea was once one of the poorest nations, but today it stands as a prosperous country thanks to the sacrifices of young men from faraway lands. It is our duty to build this memorial so that our children and generations to come will remember their sacrifice, and offer them comfort and gratitude.”
Board member Nobok Park, former Lions Club president, also reflected on the challenges faced. “After COVID-19, inflation made fundraising extremely difficult. Although land had been secured under former Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan, raising the necessary funds was not easy, and we could not guarantee a groundbreaking date. Thanks to the dedication of supporters and the Adams County grant, we can finally move forward with this historic event.”
The groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction. it is the culmination of over ten years of perseverance by the Korean American community and its allies. Approximately $950,000 has been secured through the Adams County Open Space Grant and community contributions, providing the financial foundation for the project.
Construction will begin this fall, with completion expected in the fall of 2026. Once finished, the memorial will stand near the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center, serving as a place of healing and rest for veterans, families, medical professionals, patients, and residents.
The Korean War Memorial will go beyond remembrance. It is envisioned as an educational landmark, ensuring that the lessons of war and the sacrifices of the U.S.-Korea alliance and United Nations forces will be remembered by future generations.
