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Editor's note: The author is commandant of the Standing Stone Detachment, Marine Corps League, Huntingdon. He is also a Vietnam veteran. Several members of the detachment, who are now deceased, were Korean War Veterans, and it is with sincere appreciation that we honor their service and indeed the service and sacrifice of all Korean War veterans.
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day -- July 27, 2023 -- is so important because it marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
The Korean War, to some, is the "forgotten war," and to many, hopefully, is the "forgotten victory."
And who can forget the infamous 38th parallel, the boundary between North and South Korea, where freedom and communism came face to face?
Recall that the people of Korea were most appreciative of the thousands of men and women who fought in the war.
In fact, the Revisit Korea program was established to honor those veterans and has allowed many to be able to return and visit the grateful country.
Indeed, the people of the Republic of Korea are thankful for the brave veterans who served and sacrificed on behalf of their country.
Historically, the war began on June 25, 1950 and ended on July 27, 1953. An Armistice Agreement was officially signed, but no peace treaty was ever signed.
May I repeat, no peace treaty was ever officially recognized.
The Korean War Era, as defined by Congress, spans the years between June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955. All those serving during this time frame are considered Korean War veterans.
This leads me to my point.
How do we recognize and honor our brothers and sisters who served during the Korea War Era?
Time is running out. The average age of a Korean War veteran is 88 years, and there are only an estimated 1.2 million still living.
Let's start with "Thank you for your service" and not allow the situation to escape us.
While it may be difficult to identify Korean War veterans, how about visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.?
Or the Philadelphia Korean War Memorial Park, Penn's Landing, the Korean War Memorial, Pittsburgh,
and even closer, the Korean/Vietnam Memorial and Reflecting Pool in Altoona.
Visit a cemetery and find out how many Pennsylvania veterans served during the Korean War. Display the flag in honor and remembrance of those who served in the Korean War.
Take a moment to pause in gratitude.
We honor all Korean War veterans and indeed all men and women who have served and sacrificed in all wars.
Lest we forget…"Freedom is not free."
Jay D. Buchanan resides in Huntingdon.