A hero memorial is a place, structure, building, or marker dedicated to some person, small group of persons, or possibly an animal who performed heroic or great deeds. This applies to any deeds of traditional heroism, such as bravery in the face of risk or war, as well as beneficial contributions in politics, humanitarian work, the arts, or other arenas.

The memorial concerns the subject's deeds or beneficial contributions. The subject can be a small group or an animal, and the deeds need not involve combat.

A personal memorial primarily expresses personal affection or family ties. The reason for commemoration distinguishes the two even when both depict an individual.