Facebook
Today is a historic day for all Korean-Americans because it was on this day, July 27th, back in 1953 that the Korean War Armistice agreement was signed to create a temporary truce and to suspend hostilities between North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK). It also allowed for the transfer of POW’s and a set demarcation line with a 2.4 Mile demilitarization zone aka DMZ. Unfortunately, this did not end the Korean War and till this day, North and South Korea are technically still at war. Today is a day to remember the sacrifices of our grandparents and the American Soldiers who traveled across the Pacific to a country and people they did not know and ultimately defend them against the aggression of North Korea. Let us not forget that the Korean War – which is known as the Forgotten War – claimed the lives of more than 2.5 million Koreans and more than 36,000 American soldiers; additionally, American soldiers accounted for over 92,000 wounded, over 8,000 MIA, and over 7,000 POWs*. Let’s remember and thank those American soldiers who sacrificed so that we could have freedom. Korean Beacon thanks them!!!
This past weekend, President Obama declared July 27th as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. On this day, U.S. flags will be at half staff.
Official Press Release From The White House
Fifty-six years after the signing of the Military Armistice Agreement at Panmunjom, Americans remain grateful for the courage and sacrifice of our Korean War veterans. More than 600,000 United States and allied combatants lost their lives in Korea during the 3 years of bitter warfare that ended on July 27, 1953. Many were also injured, taken as prisoners of war, and missing in action. These dedicated servicemen and women, under the banner of the United Nations, fought to secure the blessings of freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula, and they deserve our unending respect and gratitude.
Every day we are reminded of the selfless service of these veterans. The Korean War Veterans Memorial stands in our Nation’s Capital as an enduring tribute to them. Marching among juniper bushes and rows of granite, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen silently remind all who glimpse their faces of the great challenges that so many Americans overcame. The strong partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea is also a proud testament to our men and women in uniform.
Today we remember and honor the valor of Korean War veterans and the extraordinary sacrifices that they and their families made in the cause of peace.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2009, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War veterans. I also ask Federal departments and agencies and interested groups, organizations, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on July 27, 2009, in memory of the Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
******
*Figures from Wikipedia: Korean War
