What is the Difference Between Monument and Memorial?

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The terms "monument" and "memorial" are often used to describe structures or sites that commemorate a person, event, or experience, but they have distinct differences:

  • Monument: A monument is a structure, statue, or building built to honor someone notable or a special event. It is typically constructed as part of architectural beauty and has a broader concept than a memorial. Examples of monuments include the Arc de Triomphe in France, the Empire State Building, and the Washington Monument in America.
  • Memorial: A memorial is a structure or statue built to remember a dead person or a group of people. It is dedicated to or commemorates an individual who is deceased. Memorials can take various forms, such as statues, community halls, town swimming pools, books, scrolls, roads, or bridges.

In summary, a monument is a commemorative structure that honors a notable person or event, while a memorial is a structure or statue that remembers a deceased person or group of people. Both monument and memorial serve as expressions of memory, but they differ in their purpose and the form they take.

Comparative Table: Monument vs Memorial

Feature Monument Memorial
Definition A monument is a structure, statue, or building constructed to honor someone notable or a special event. A memorial is a structure or statue built to remember a dead person or a group of people.
Purpose Paying tribute or honoring a person for their deeds or to mark an impression about an important event. Continuing to remember someone even after death is the objective of a memorial.
Architectural Importance Monuments are often built as part of architectural beauty and have a broader concept than memorials. Memorials may not be physical structures and can be temporary or permanent, physical or non-physical.
Examples The Arc de Triomphe in France, Empire State Building, and the Washington Monument in America are all examples of monuments. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial, and various war memorials are examples of memorials.