Pentagon Marks 60th Anniversary of the Korean War
(June 26, 2010) |
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Bill Scott, left, and Harold Ruddy, both Korean
War veterans, attend a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary
of the Korean War at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., June 24, 2010. |
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WASHINGTON, June 24, 2010 – Flanked by Korean War veterans,
many proudly bearing the medals and insignias of their
military service, defense officials commemorated the 60th
anniversary of the Korean War and saluted the veterans
during a ceremony held at the Pentagon here today.
“Americans have always been defined by their courage and
character and incredible optimism about their country and
its values,” said Joseph W. Westphal, undersecretary of the
Army and the event's keynote speaker. “Korean war veterans
are examples of that.”
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea
launched an attack on South Korea in an effort to place all
of Korea under communist rule. By September |
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1950, the efforts of U.N., United States and South Korean forces
held the North Koreans in check at the Pusan Perimeter. |
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The war would last three years. Afterward, Korea would
remain divided into a free, democratic South and a
communist-dominated North. The United States since has had a
“long and proud” relationship with South Korea, Westphal
said.
During the past 60 years, more than 3.5 million Americans
have served military duty tours in Korea, Westphal said. The
28,500 U.S. servicemembers who serve in South Korea today,
under the leadership of Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, he said,
exemplify the nation's ongoing commitment to the defense of
South Korea.
South Korea “is a critical ally, a valued partner, an
honored friend of the United States,” he said.
Westphal paid tribute to Korean War veterans, and shared the
story of Ronald Rosser, who flew in from Ohio to attend the
ceremony. In January 1952, he said, then-Army Cpl. Ronald
Rosser's unit, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, was
stopped by heavy fire while assaulting enemy hill positions
near the town of Ponggilli, Korea. Armed with only a carbine
and a grenade, the 22-year-old Rosser charged the enemy
position. Three times he ran out of ammunition and three
times he returned to the hill. Although injured himself, he
then helped deliver other wounded servicemembers to safety.
Rosser single-handedly killed at least 13 of the enemy that
day, and for his actions was awarded the Medal of Honor.
In an interview after the ceremony, Rosser, now 81, said it
was an honor to serve “and in a small way” assist 50 million
South Korean citizens to enjoy the benefits of a free and
democratic society.
“Not many people can say that,” Rosser said.
Westphal urged Americans to never forget veterans like
Rosser. “Let's never forget freedom is not free and we can
never stop thanking those who have paid and continue to pay
that price so that we can enjoy the liberty and pursuit of
happiness,” he said.
Han Duk-soo, ambassador of South Korea, also spoke at the
event. Thanks to the courage of Korean War veterans, the
ambassador said, “Korean flags still fly over the Republic
of Korea and the Korea-U.S. alliance, an alliance forged in
blood, is still strong and valued by both sides today. This
is why we call the Korean War a true victory.”
“You won freedom, democracy and prosperity for our nation,”
the ambassador told the Korean War veterans.
Today, South Korea serves alongside the United States in
Iraq, Afghanistan and the waters of Somalia, the ambassador
said.
“As the U.S. partner and friend, South Korea is and will be
by your side,” he said. “Through your bravery and sacrifice
you veterans made that possible.
“So today, we honor you and the 36,000 of your
brothers-in-arms who gave their lives so that Korea could be
free,” the ambassador continued. “For that, the Korean
people are eternally grateful to all of you and all of
them.”
The ceremony's pageantry contrasted with the reception many
Korean War veterans received upon their homecoming.
“We came home and no one knew where we'd been,” said Jack
Keep, who served in the Navy during the Korean War.
“This is a great honor after all of those years, to have
this recognition,” Keep continued. “It's a blessing to our
families to have their fathers and grandfathers honored as
well.”
“We appreciate the attention,” added Keep's friend, Charles
Hoak, an Army Korean War veteran. “It shows we're not
forgotten.”
Today's ceremony marked the beginning of the Defense
Department's three-year observance of key events of the
Korean War that will culminate with the 60th anniversary of
the signing of the armistice on July 27, 2013. |
Article and photo By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2010 |
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