The National Monument (Tugu Negara) is a large bronze sculptural group in the Lake Gardens, erected in 1966 to honour those who died fighting for Malaysia's independence and security. The sculpture — seven figures representing the qualities needed in war — was designed by Felix de Weldon, the same sculptor who created the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington DC. The figures stand on a 15-metre tall base surrounded by a small reflecting pool and formal gardens.
The monument is a short walk from the National Museum, through a park area dotted with flowering trees. The view back from the monument across the lake towards the city centre is one of the better perspectives on KL's skyline. The Merdeka 118 tower (now the world's second-tallest) is visible from here on a clear day.