Kern County Korean War Memorial

The Kern County Korean War Memorial is located in Jastro Park. It commemorates the lives of Kern County residents who were killed in action during the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953). A list of names is carved into stone. It also notes the total number of Americans killed in action during the war, as well as the number of Americans who died in the war from non-hostile deaths, and the number of Americans who were wounded.

In addition, the memorial includes recognition of United Nations Allies during the war, and it also acknowledges the assistance of nations that provided Medical Services. The memorial includes three separate panels, each joined to the same base. Below one of the panels is etched the emblems of the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. Underneath another panel is included the emblem of the U.S. Air Force. And below a third panel is the emblem of the U.S. Coast Guard.

One panel includes a pictorial representation of some of the faces of Kern County residents who lost their lives in the war. Above this is etched the words, "Freedom Is Not Free." Another panel includes a map carved into the stone. The memorial was erected in February 2006 by the Korean War Veteran's Association, Chapter No. 211, in Kern County, and through donations provided by the community, friends, and family members.

Whittle, Syd . Kern County Korean War Memorial, The Historical Marker Database. December 1st 2009. Accessed March 14th 2021. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=25041.