Korean War Memorial Plans Set

The design for a Korean War Veterans Memorial in Kissena Park was chosen this month and will be presented in front of the New York City Art Commission next Wednesday for final approval.
The project will be paid for by private donations and contributions from city and state governments. It is expected to cost $650,000.
Once approved, the project will move out of refinement and construction can begin. The project will be completed by the summer of 2005.
The idea for the monument came into existence almost five years ago with the help of Councilmember John Liu, Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, after the Korean War Veterans Memorial Association expressed an interest in erecting a memorial in Queens.
A memorial already exists in Manhattans Battery Park honoring all city veterans but does not list specific names.
Unlike the Battery Park memorial, this innovative design includes the names of veterans involved in the war that were residents of Queens at the time of enlistment. The design will display a pictorial illusion consisting of photos and images compiled from the Korean War.
William Crosier, the artist picked to render a design for the memorial was chosen from thirty potential artists and five finalists in two rounds of competition that began in March of this year.
"The creation of this monument has been a collaborative process," Councilmember Liu said, "involving veterans artists, local residents, and community leaders and symbolizes the democratic ideal and freedom for which so many members sacrificed their life."
The memorial will be located by the tennis courts walkway adjacent to Parsons Boulevard. To submit names for the display, please contact the office of Councilmember Liu at (718) 888-8747.