"The Forgotten War"

Over fifty years ago the Korean Conflict ended by armistice. It was a national letdown following the defeat of America's enemies in World War II. Congress did not even declare it a war until seven years afterwards, but a war it was, with all the blood, bravery, and heroism of any other war.

More than 1,500,000 Americans served in this "police action" taking place in a little know area of the world. Why we were there was never clear, but the hostile climate and the hordes of opposing forces were very clear and very real. America suffered over 36,000 fatalities, and 103,284 wounded. To this date, there are 8,176 persons still listed as missing in action. A total of 131 Medals of Honor were awarded to military personnel serving in Korea.

The bravery and heroism displayed by Korean veterans in this "forgotten war" serve to remind us that Freedom is not Free. Even now as North Korea threatens the world with nuclear power and terrorists stop at nothing to spread fear among the nations, the very nature of war has changed again, just as it did in Korea fifty years ago. To honor those American military personnel for their unswerving allegiance to duty in a little known or remembered conflict will serve to reinforce own determination to conquer the challenges of today's world.