Remembering the “forgotten war”

Today I’d like to pass along a press release I received yesterday. It’s not strictly a Webster-based story, but in honor of Father’s Day, I thought it was appropriate.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, a war in which my father’s generation fought. It is often referred to as the “forgotten war,” because it has been overshadowed by the more immediate memories of Vietnam, Desert Storm and the fiftieth anniversary of World War II.

The information below tells about one effort to shed some light on that war.

The Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC

KOREAN WAR VETERANS ASKED TO SHARE STORIES OF “FORGOTTEN WAR”

The Department of Defense Korean War 60^th 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.

The Korean War 60^th Anniversary Commemoration Committee encourages everyone to attend or watch the televised ceremonies for “Heroes Remembered,” a national tribute on July 27 in Washington, D.C. For more information about “Heroes Remembered,” please visit: www.koreanwar60.com/27july.