The Importance of Memorialization in Public Space Throughout world history, the number of disasters, wars, and other traumatic events has grown to be immeasurable. The occurrence of too many tragedies sparked a national desire to commemorate the lost; thus causing the development of memorials. The concept of creating a memorial seems simple; however, this is not the case. A great deal of time and money are placed into the brain-storming drafting, and eventual building of a memorial. Beyond the excessive resources needed to construct one, memorials are frequently found at the center of controversy. Unsurprisingly, the diversity of the population causes a contrast in the interpretation of memorials by individuals. The idea of collective memory
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Suhi Choi chronicles the dismal story of the Korean War veterans who returned to Utah to absolutely no appreciation or acknowledgement from the community. The Korean War was essentially forgotten by everyone. Where normally a celebration occurs to welcome home veterans, no one even realized they were gone. No one even knew what the war was being fought for. Due to this, veterans began feeling isolated and as if they could not share their stories. Many of them suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and with no outlet to express their feelings, they became detached from society. Opening the wound even further, Utah memorialized both of the World Wars and the Vietnam War, yet not even a finger was lifted to salute those who fought in the Korean War. In fact, it was not until five decades later that a memorial was completed – a memorial that was long overdue. The Utah Korean War Memorial proved to be life-changing for the veterans. They were granted not only a reason to share their experiences, but a public mode. They were able to channel their muffled emotions and anger into a work of art that would be recognized by many generations to come. Suhi Choi admits that it was the omission of a memorial that caused anxiety among Utah’s veterans
Suhi Choi chronicles the dismal story of the Korean War veterans who returned to Utah to absolutely no appreciation or acknowledgement from the community. The Korean War was essentially forgotten by everyone. Where normally a celebration occurs to welcome home veterans, no one even realized they were gone. No one even knew what the war was being fought for. Due to this, veterans began feeling isolated and as if they could not share their stories. Many of them suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and with no outlet to express their feelings, they became detached from society. Opening the wound even further, Utah memorialized both of the World Wars and the Vietnam War, yet not even a finger was lifted to salute those who fought in the Korean War. In fact, it was not until five decades later that a memorial was completed – a memorial that was long overdue. The Utah Korean War Memorial proved to be life-changing for the veterans. They were granted not only a reason to share their experiences, but a public mode. They were able to channel their muffled emotions and anger into a work of art that would be recognized by many generations to come. Suhi Choi admits that it was the omission of a memorial that caused anxiety among Utah’s veterans