Proposal for Korean War Memorial Clears Hurdle

Four years after its original design and location drew criticism, a new proposal for a Korean War veterans memorial in San Pedro has been approved by the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission, according to an organizer of the memorial.

The decision Monday sends the project to the state Coastal Commission before returning for final city action in the coming months, said Scott Smith of the International Korean Veterans Memorial Committee.

Originally, plans called for the memorial to be built on a bluff in Angels Gate Park and to include 15 bronze soldiers in battle. Those plans were scuttled after many in San Pedro deemed the monument too violent and decried its proposed location next to the Korean Friendship Bell. Now, the memorial is to be built 300 yards from the bell and would depict 11 soldiers during a lull in combat.