War Memorial Plaza features various statues and monuments that commemorate the sacrifices made by residents of Tennessee in numerous conflicts. Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, the effort to create a space that would celebrate and honor this legacy has enabled residents and visitors across the eras to better understand these sacrifices in a way that cuts across audiences and eras.
Creating a “The Court of Honor”
The War Memorial Building was the first building constructed for state offices outside the capitol itself in Nashville. Dedicated in 1925 as a memorial for Tennesseans who lost their lives during World War I, the complex was also designed as a center for government and civic engagement. That included a space for a “Court of Honor” that would serve as a memorial to become a hub of activity for interactions of all types.
Granite walls on the west and north sides of the plaza feature the names of 3,400 Tennesseans who gave their lives in World War I. A statue entitled “Victory” by Nashville sculptor Belle Kinney sits in the center of the atrium, symbolizing victory in the war. She also created an allegorical statue that commemorates the heroic devotion and self-sacrifice of the women of Tennessee during the Civil War.
All of these features defined War Memorial Plaza when it was created first, but others that honor the efforts of Tennessee citizens during other conflicts have been added over the decades. The Vietnam War Memorial of Tennessee commemorates the residents of Tennessee who were killed or missing in the Vietnam War. The sculptures of three young American soldiers were created by Alan LeQuire in 1986. Nearby is a monument to the Tennesseans who served in the Korean War that was created by sculptor Russell Faxon in 1992.
These additions highlight what it has meant to enable additional engagement with audiences of all types in a space that was created to support and facilitate public assembly. Doing so has transformed what would otherwise just be an empty civic space into a place where residents and visitors can connect with the legacy of a region and country.
A Legacy Across the Eras
Specifically designed to be recognized as a monument long after the generations that built it had passed, War Memorial Plaza honors a spirit of sacrifice and legacy that connects audiences across the eras. In doing so, it showcases what it means to enable interaction with audiences in the present and future.
