Korean War Veterans Pay Tribute At Memorial
(October 10, 2009) |
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| | WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2009 – Veterans of the Korean War, both
American and Korean, gathered here yesterday with current
U.S. Army and South Korean leaders to pay tribute at the
National Korean War Memorial. |
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Tourists gather at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., for a wreath-laying ceremony Oct. 5, 2009. Active duty servicemembers, South Korean officials and local Korean War-era veterans participated in the event.
DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden |
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Members of the Korean War Veterans Association chapters from
Frederick, Md., and Winchester, Va., took the role of color
guard as U.S. Forces Korea Commander Army Gen. Walter L.
Sharp, South Korean Ambassador Lee Tae-sik, South Korean
armed forces liaison Maj. Gen. Kang Dae-young and members of
the Korean branch of the Association of the United States
Army laid a wreath in tribute to those who fought the North
Korean invasion nearly 60 years ago.
Sharp, the commander of all U.S. military operations in
South Korea, spoke about the significance of the Korean War
and the dedication of its veterans before laying wreaths at
the top of the memorial.
“We're here today to recognize the great sacrifices of those
who so bravely fought during the Korean War,” Sharp said.
“Throughout the war, Americans, Koreans and U.N. forces
suffered terrible hardships and punishing conditions. But
the forces of freedom triumphed and saved a nation that now
stands as one of the world's great democracies.”
The war began when communist North Korean forces invaded
South Korea on June 25, 1950. It continued until an
armistice was reached July 27, 1953. More than 302,000
Americans served in the war; nearly 55,000 Americans died.
Sharp said the wreath-laying commemorates every person, from
American, Korean or United Nations forces, who helped to
repel communist forces during the three-year struggle.
“As we prepare to recognize the 60th anniversary of the
outbreak of the Korean War in 2010, it is appropriate that
we take time to remember those men and women who dedicated
so much of themselves to the Republic of Korea so that it
could become and remain free,” he said. “Those we honor
today gave their lives for the highest of human ideals:
freedom for all people.”
All servicemembers today continue the legacy of Korean War
veterans, Sharp added. Some 28,500 U.S. servicemembers and
their families are stationed in South Korea.
“My father was one of the soldiers that fought in the Korean
War,” Sharp said. “And I am proud of those who today follow
in his and all the Korean War veterans' footsteps.”
Last year, the South Korean military celebrated the 60th
anniversary of its founding and the Korean-American
alliance. Yesterday's ceremony was held in conjunction with
the 2009 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exhibition. |
By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009 |
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