How to positively describe something, such as a war memorial, which doesn't invoke positive feelings?
Solution 1:
The verb moving can be put to service here.
From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moving:
stirring or evoking strong feelings or emotions, especially touchingly or pathetically
"The war memorial was a moving experience."
Solution 2:
You could consider using memorable:
Worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.
Or impressive:
Evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill; grand, imposing, or awesome
[Oxford Online Dictionary]