Memorials
Medal of Honor
Artist(s):Michael Magrath, Heidi Wastweet and Dodi Fredericks
Completed:2009
Material(s):Stone, basalt rock, bronze, wood
The Medal of Honor is the “highest military honor given by congress to an individual who demonstrates bravery and personal actions of valor beyond the call of duty” (Congressional Medal of Honor Society). The University of Washington has the most alumni Medal of Honor Recipients from a public institution, excluding the service academies. The Medal of Honor Memorial on UW campus was created to commemorate the outstanding eight individuals for their bravery and actions.
Spanish Civil War
Artist(s):David Ryan of Oakland, California
Completed:October 1998
Material(s):Stone and Bronze
The Spanish War Memorial is located to the West of the HUB, and it was built and dedicated in October, 1998. There were 11 University of Washington students who served in the Spanish Civil War. The construction and dedication of the monument was led by the Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and Friends in Washington. The 11 UW veterans were honored, in addition to the other 40,000 volunteers from over 50 different countries, who fought for the Spanish people in the US’s first clash against fascism.
World War II
Artist(s):Jon Gierlich
Completed:1999, dedicated 2001
Material(s):Bronze plaques, flagpole, surrounding vegetation
World War ll (1939-1945) had a significant impact worldwide, and on the University of Washington as well. In Seattle, the war involved a mass participation of soldiers, war industry, and public displays of both support and protest, as it was so in other parts of the country. The 1930’s student movement at the University of Washington was expressly anti-war, including an anti-ROTC campaign. However, despite the anti-military feelings at the time, over 600 University of Washington alumni, staff, and faculty sacrificed their lives fighting for the war.
World War I
Completed:London Plane sycamore trees were planted in 1920, two stone pylons were placed in 1928
More than 1,500 students and faculty members were enrolled in military service from April 1917, when America entered World War I, until the war ended with an armistice on November 11, 1918. A total of 58 alumni, students and faculty members died in the war. The University of Washington was unique among institutions on the West Coast in offering training for the three military branches: Army, Navy, and Marines.