Korean Veterans Honored: The Forgotten Finally Remembered
“Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered a call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met”. ~Plaque of the Korean War Veterans Memorial
For the first time, in the 124-year-old New Year’s Day Parade, the Pentagon put a float in Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses to commemorate the veterans of what has become known as “The Forgotten War.”
Well, it’s about freakin’ time…
The Korean War was fought from June 25, 1950-July 27, 1953. The United States suffered 39,940 deaths during the Korean War, 92,134 wounded, 8,176 MIA and 4,439 POW. A tremendous sacrifice for freedom.
Yet, the Congress authorized the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial (Nov. 1, 1955 – April 30, 1075) before the Korean War Veterans Memorial … and only after pressure.
The Pentagon jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the float because they were trying to kick off the events marking the 60th anniversary of the July 1953 armistice that halted the conflict but never declared peace. They were hoping to raise awareness and respect for this forever forgotten military campaign.
“Forgotten”? Yes, forgotten even as it was taking place. The citizens carried on their daily lives unaffected by or having to think about the war. Bear in mind this was before TV was ubiquitous in the American home. Unlike the Vietnam which was the first war in which nightly battle scenes were played out in America’s living room (albeit played out with a slant by the media (even then), but that’s another story).
But now, perhaps, these brave and faithful warriors will finally be recognized for their sacrifice for freedom … defending a country they never knew and a people they never met … in the name of liberty.
God Bless the Korean War Veterans…and ALL U.S. Veterans … grateful Americans will NEVER forget you.
