The ‘Forgotten War’: The Value of Vernacular Memory in American Monument Building
Through the building of the Korean War Veterans Memorial (KWVM), the Korean War has been memorialized in an incredibly public way on the National Mall in D.C. However, its prominent place next to other well-known monuments fails to keep it from being overshadowed. Thus, the history of the Korean War remains elusive to the visitors walking by and, in its elusiveness, draws attention to the inability of the KWVM to effectively transmit the narratives it holds. My project compiles theory from leading public memory scholars in order to define successful public memory creation and transmission in the United States and allow for the assessment of the monument's inability to find success. Through this research, I have found that vernacular, or personal, memory is essential to the public memorialization process and the effectiveness of monument design. I argue, based on these findings and their use in the analysis of the KWVM design and construction process, that the KWVM has left out the important piece of vernacular memory. This has greatly hindered its ability to work effectively as a meaningful piece of public memorialization, leaving the legacy of the Korean War forgotten.
Vanessa Reger
Vanessa Reger, from Rock Island, IL, is a graduating senior in the college of Arts and Sciences who has double majored in American Studies and History. She is most interested in studying American death culture, public memory, and the Cold War. She will be continuing her graduate education here at SLU as a doctoral student in the American Studies department. She is incredibly grateful for the constant support and genuine care from the American Studies team and looks forward to all the research that is to come!
Vanessa would like to recognize Dr. Lutenski and Dr. Looker as her biggest supporters during her time at SLU and in the development of this project. These faculty members have consistently encouraged her to reach for the stars, giving her the confidence to apply for the grants that were necessary to make this project happen. Vanessa wants to thank Dr. Lutenski and Dr. Looker for never telling her no, even if her ideas are a little morbid, and accepting her with open arms into their American Studies family. Vanessa looks forward to continuing her education under their instruction and mentorship as a graduate student.