Passing of Mr. Louis Nelson,
Designer of Mural Wall at Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation
December 6, 2024
In photo: Mr. Louis Nelson
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation is very saddened by the passing of Mr. Louis Nelson, a longtime friend, the designer of the Mural Wall at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Foundation Board member.
Gen. John H. Tilelli, Jr., U.S. Army (Retired), Chairman of the Foundation, said, “Louis was a cherished friend and a respected Army Veteran who made one of the most significant contributions to Korean War Veterans with his masterful design of the Mural Wall. Mr. Nelson’s passion and genius will forever be reflected in the 2,400 faces of the Mural Wall that he designed. I don’t know of another work of art that has such beauty and meaning.”
In photo: Ms. Judy Collins (left), Mr. Louis Nelson, LTG (Ret.) Bernie Champoux, GEN (Ret.) John H. Tilelli, Ms. Elise Tilelli
Louis Nelson described his vision for the Mural Wall in his book, Mosaic: “I began to visualize a wall of portraits, all emerging from a length of dark gray granite; I decided the wall must be personal … and compassionate – an intimate reflection of those who had served…” Mr. Nelson’s work of art has actual faces of Korean War Veterans who supported ground troops represented by the 19 statues in the “Field of Service.” With the 19 reflections on the granite Mural Wall, the Memorial’s four million annual visitors can see 38 service members which is symbolic of the 38th Parallel which separates North and South Korea as well as the 38 months of the Korean War.
Louis Nelson is survived by his wife, renowned singer and author, Judy Collins. In Mosaic, she echoes the sentiment of millions of Korean War Veterans’ families who learn about the War: “After reading it, I know more, feel more and understand more about that far off place in history, conflict and the spirit of survival.”
The Foundation’s Vice Chairman, Lt. Gen. Bernie Champoux, U.S. Army (Retired), is a close friend of the family and shared his condolences, “Louis and Judy have a special heart for Korean War Veterans and their Families. Their love for each other and Veterans are well known and respected. Louis’s passion to make a lasting contribution to all Korean War Veterans will forever stand at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Foundation will ensure we maintain it to properly honor our Veterans and him. I will miss my friend dearly.”
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a national memorial in Washington, DC, that honors the 1.8 million Korean War Veterans who fought against North Korea’s invasion of South Korea in 1950-1953. As a living center, the Memorial honors Korean War Veterans by educating about their sacrifices and contributions and inspiring current and future generations to continue defending freedom. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor Korean War Veterans and their Families by ensuring the maintenance of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in partnership with the National Park Service.
The Memorial is free and open every day (https://koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/).
The Mural Wall –
