West Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II facts for kids
The West Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II is a special monument. It honors brave soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, and airmen who went missing during World War II. These are people whose bodies were never found, or who were buried at sea in the Pacific Ocean near the coast. The memorial makes sure their names and sacrifices are remembered forever.
About the West Coast Memorial
This memorial is a curved wall made from strong California granite stone. It sits in a beautiful area with Monterey pine and cypress trees, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. On the wall, you can find the names of 413 members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It lists their name, rank, what part of the military they were in, and their home state.
Where to Find It
The memorial is located on high ground in San Francisco, California. It's near Baker Beach and the Pacific Ocean, inside a large park called the Presidio. You can find it where Lincoln and Kobbe Boulevards meet. It's a peaceful place to visit and reflect.
Who Designed It
Many talented people helped create this important memorial. The main architect who designed the structure was Hervey Parke Clark. The beautiful outdoor space around the memorial was designed by a landscape architect named Lawrence Halprin. The sculptor who created the art pieces for the memorial was Jean de Marco. His work here was recognized with an award in 1965.
Other Memorials Like This
The West Coast Memorial is one of three special war memorials in the United States. These memorials are managed by a group called the American Battle Monuments Commission. The other two similar memorials are the East Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II in New York City and the Honolulu Memorial in Hawaii. Each one honors those who were lost in different parts of the world during World War II.
