The Monument

When New Jersey residents are looking for an experience that blends history, reflection, and a touch of serenity right off the bustling boardwalk, they can find it at **The Monument**. While the provided category of "Campground" might suggest a typical outdoor recreational facility, the location and name actually refer to a deeply significant historical landmark: the **New Jersey Korean War Memorial**. Situated in the heart of Atlantic City, this site serves as a permanent, powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the state's servicemen and women during the Korean Conflict. It is a necessary and moving stop for anyone seeking to connect with New Jersey's rich military history.

This monument is more than just a statue; it is an open-air historical museum designed for remembrance. Dedicated on November 13, 2000, it ensures that the service and sacrifice of New Jersey's Korean War veterans—the nation's only undeclared war—are never forgotten. The site provides a quiet, dignified space for reflection, a stark contrast to the nearby casinos and entertainment, offering a valuable educational opportunity for families and visitors of all ages.

The atmosphere of the site is intentionally solemn and moving. The design features heroic bronze figures and engraved walls, telling the story of the conflict and honoring those who fought. For local New Jersey families, visiting The Monument is an excellent way to teach **children** about American history, patriotism, and the importance of remembering our veterans, making it a highly worthwhile educational outing that is **good for kids**. It represents a significant contribution to the state’s cultural landscape and a place of collective healing and pride for the veterans, their families, and the people of New Jersey.

The Monument, officially the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, enjoys a prime and highly accessible location in Atlantic City. It is situated within **Brighton Park**, a small, peaceful green space that serves as a vital area of tranquility right at the city's main tourist hub.

The official address is **124 Park Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA**. Its location is notably at the intersection where Park Place meets the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. This central positioning makes it exceptionally easy to reach for locals visiting the shore or for residents traveling from North or Central New Jersey for a day trip.

Accessibility for all New Jersey visitors is a key feature. The site is ADA accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking options nearby. Its proximity to major hotels like Bally's and Claridge, as well as the Boardwalk, means it's easily reachable on foot for anyone already in the area. Being located in Brighton Park, it's also served well by local public transportation options in Atlantic City, providing a straightforward journey from anywhere in the region.

As a public, non-commercial memorial, The Monument offers educational and reflective services, focusing on providing an experience of remembrance rather than recreational amenities.

• **Free Public Access:** The memorial is open daily to the public with free admission, ensuring all New Jersey residents have the opportunity to visit and pay their respects.
• **Historical Education:** The design itself serves as an interpretive exhibit, featuring:
  • Engraved names of all 822 New Jersey service members who were killed or listed missing in action during the conflict.
  • A wall honoring the five New Jersey servicemen who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism.
  • Bronze figures and sculpted reliefs depicting scenes and representations of servicemen and women who fought.
• **Area for Reflection:** The memorial is designed with benches and a peaceful layout within Brighton Park, providing a solemn and quiet space for individual contemplation.
• **Family-Friendly Environment:** The surrounding Brighton Park is well-maintained and includes areas, like a nearby playground, making the visit comfortable for families with children.
• **Informal Event Space:** The park often serves as a site for veteran ceremonies, memorial services, and other community-based events related to remembrance.

The artistry and purpose behind the New Jersey Korean War Memorial are its most compelling features, drawing visitors in with powerful imagery and deep historical significance.

• **The Mourning Soldier Statue:** A highly memorable, 12-foot-tall bronze figure clutching several dog tags, symbolizing the profound loss and remembrance of fallen comrades.
• **Eternal Flame:** A powerful and central feature located beneath the engraved name wall, representing the perpetual honor and memory of the veterans.
• **Bronze Figurines and Reliefs:** Created by sculptors J. Tom Carrillo and Thomas Jay Warren, these figures are of heroic proportion and artistic detail, vividly representing the servicemen and women in action.
• **The Wall of Names:** A polished black granite reflective name wall, similar to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., listing the names of the New Jerseyans killed or missing in action.
• **Boardwalk Proximity:** Located just where Park Place meets the Atlantic City Boardwalk, this historical site provides a unique cultural contrast to the entertainment district.
• **Peaceful Setting in Brighton Park:** The memorial is integrated into a neat, landscaped green space, offering a necessary moment of quietude amidst the energy of Atlantic City.

As a state memorial, general inquiries are often directed to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, though site-specific information can be obtained via the Memorial's main contact number.

Address: 124 Park Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA

Phone: (609) 345-2500

The Monument, or the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, is a must-visit for New Jersey residents, offering a profound cultural and historical experience that is truly worth choosing over standard tourist fare. The site delivers a powerful, deeply moving tribute that honors the "forgotten war" and the service of thousands of New Jerseyans. Choosing to visit here provides a valuable educational moment, especially as a location that is **Good for kids**, allowing families to reflect on history and show gratitude in a meaningful way.

What makes it stand out is its ability to create a solemn and respectful atmosphere right at the edge of one of the state’s most vibrant commercial centers. The juxtaposition of the memorial’s quiet dignity against the buzz of the Boardwalk enhances the feeling of stepping into a sacred space for reflection. The artistic merit of the bronze sculptures, particularly the haunting figure of The Mourning Soldier, ensures the site is not only historically significant but also aesthetically compelling. For New Jersey residents, visiting The Monument is an act of civic remembrance, a commitment to honoring the state's role in American military history, and a powerful, free activity that enriches any trip to Atlantic City. It serves as a necessary reminder of the state’s heritage and the sacrifices made to preserve freedom.

The Monument

124 Park Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA