I am writing this Memorial Day Weekend, and while I wrote in memory of ALL of our fallen from all wars, past and present, I wanted to add an entry in respect of those who are sometimes passed up in reflections. To our Korean War Veterans, YOU are not forgotten!
While the attention on the Korean War, and those Veterans, are often over-looked, I think it may be important to reflect on those days and costs. Korea, as we know, is still in the news and North Korean is STILL a threat to any lasting peace and security for that region of the world. We maintain a force there, to help our South Korean friends keep North Korea in check. Tensions still run high between the two nations, and our involvement is that of security forces at the 38th parallel, and at sea.
Our participation in the Korean War, was officially from June 25, 1950, to the Armistice on July 27, 1953. The official combat actions ended, but PEACE was never really declared.
During that war, South Korea was joined by the US, and some 15 other UN nations. For the US, we lost 23,615 in combat actions. Another 2,847 died while in POW camps. Our South Korean friends, lost 137,899. Like all wars, it was ugly, and left long lasting scars for those who served. And in case you don't remember, North Korea was joined by China!
I think it's important to remember those costs. And many of the families of those South Korean lost, came to America and became citizens. And too, many of our soldiers brought Korean brides home with them.
Over the years, those soldiers (I use the term to be all inclusive of those in all branches who served in Korea), had come back home to a lack-luster welcoming. In the years that followed, they were caught between the WWII ending (using the surrender by Japan on Sept. 2, 1945), with that great jubilation for all those who served, and the anti-war welcoming of those who served in Vietnam.
But our veterans and fathers of that day, served OUR nation, just as much so as did any other war veteran. Not that no one remembers that, but those Vets don't get the same attention. To ALL those who served in that war, I want to say THANK YOU. I do appreciate YOUR service, as well as the sacrifices of those who died in their service. I think that we sometimes, get so caught up in trying to set things right with the Vietnam Vets (and I am one), that our Korean War Vets get ignored, or slighted.
If you see one of our Vets wearing a Korea War emblem or cap, tell them thanks. By the way, a good many of them, served in WWII and Korea, and some, even served in WWII, Korea, AND Vietnam! Those guys ROCK!
Remember ALL our Veterans, and honor ALL our lost today. And to our Korean War Veterans, THANK YOU!
Dan
3/187th Inf.
101st Airborne Div.
RVN 1969-70
