During World War II, 16,000,000+ Americans served in the military. As of mid-2023, it was estimated only 167,000 were still living and they were dying at the rate of 7,700 each month. Of those 16,000,000, more than 405,000 were killed and 671,000 wounded.

During the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, about 6,800,000 men and women served in the military, At the end of 2021, it was estimated there were 500,000 Korean War veterans, with 600 dying each day.  Three years of the Korean War produced 33,700 battle deaths.  

In Winchester and Clark County, 77 people lost their lives in World War II, and 19 others failed to return alive from Korea.

The Doughboy statue behind the Courthouse was erected 11 years after the end of World War I.  In 1986 the Viet Nam memorial was erected, 11 years after hostilities ceased. Small bronze plaques on the Doughboy monument list Clark County deaths from World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam.

No memorial exists in Winchester and Clark County to honor the sacrifice of those who died during WWII and the Korean War. The World War II/Korean War Memorial project will correct this oversight. In August 2023, the City of Winchester dedicated land at 18 East Broadway for the World War II/Korean War Memorial.

This memorial is designed to reflect peace and tranquility, to be a place where everyone can gather and learn about those we honor and the circumstances under which they perished.  This memorial will be a teaching place that reflects history, and each element of the design is meant to accentuate the importance of the events of those times when noble causes were fought for and achieved.

Granite plaques set flush with the ground, one for each of the Clark Countians who lost their lives in World War II and Korea. Each plaque will also contain a number matched to a number on the laser engraved plaques at each end pedestal, one with a world map and one with a map of Korea, the number noting the location where everyone died.

The curved walls will allow visitors to sit and reflect on the plaques before them and what they represent. The length of each wall segment is proportional to the number of days of each conflict. A 40’ lighted flagpole will fly the American and POW/MIA flags. Seven trees represent seven years of war.

The memorial will be a place of repose and contemplation, not to glorify war, but to acknowledge the sacrifice of the individuals from Clark County who served their country and paid the ultimate price of service.

How you can help

The Clark County Veterans Council is seeking donations and volunteers to help complete this memorial. 

• Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Clark County Veterans Council, 25 Lynnway, Winchester, KY 40392-0426. 
• Voluntary services will also be gratefully accepted. Contact us to learn more.