Friends, family and neighbors of the men and women who served during the Korean War are asked to encourage those veterans to share their stories to help in keep the memory of those who served and sacrificed for our country at that time.
Back in October 2010, the American Legion Post 43 and the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 held a tribute to Korean veterans, filling the auditorium at Naperville North High School. The common theme celebrated by all in attendance was that peace, prosperity and liberties shared in the U.S. and Korea were built on the selfless sacrifices and contributions of the brave military men and women who served from June 1950 to January 1955. Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis ( U.S. Army Ret.) credited the Republic of Korea for being the first in the nation to thank America.
To continue recognizing the Korean veterans, the Department of Defense Korean War 60th Anniversary Committee has opened an online forum for Korean War Veterans and those affected by the war to submit their stories at http://www.koreanwar60.com/webform/share-your-story.
“A little over 100 miles out… the engine exploded on us and caught fire,” shared Lt. Col. William McCowen of the United States Air Force, who survived the Korean War and the plane crash that nearly killed him.
The opportunity to document these experiences is fleeting. That is why the DoD is coordinating projects, events and opportunities for Korean War Veterans leading up to “Heroes Remembered,” a national tribute to Korean War veterans on the 60th anniversary of the Armistice Signing that ended the conflict.
Like Lt. Col. William McCowen, many Korean War Veterans today are in their 80’s and have endured the heartache of losing over 100,000 of their fellow soldiers. Their stories of survival, persistence and sacrifice remind us that freedom in the United States comes at a cost.
“It is imperative that the Veterans from all services who served in the Korean War are recognized and remembered for their service and sacrifice,” said Colonel David J. Clark, Director of the Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee.
Heroes Remembered
The Korean War 60th Anniversary Commemoration Committee encourages everyone to attend or watch the televised ceremonies for “Heroes Remembered,” a national tribute on July 27, 2013, Washington, D.C.
For more information about “Heroes Remembered,” visit www.koreanwar60.com/27july. Be sure to plan a visit to the new memorial the next time you’re in Washington, D.C. Thanks for remembering.
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