Created and Photos by catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund

Music : Josh Grovan's
You raise me up

The 66th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration was held by Korean War Meritorious Veterans League(President Chang Rae Lee), Washington State and Korean American Association of Tacoma, WA (President Insim Hong). at  Washington State Capitol, 215 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98401.   Sponsored by Republic of Korea Consulate General of Seattle , and by Korean Women's Association (KWA) and KIMWA and supported by The 57th Army Band, The 1 Corps Honor Guard, 555 Engineer Brogade, The ROK LNO to 1 coprs, LTC, Seunghoon Lee and Capt. Cain Claxton.

Special Audience was Secretary of WA State, Kim Wyman, Paul A. Pastor (Pierce County Sheriff) Joan McBride from Wa House of Rep. Roberto Valencia (N. Jr 1SG USARMY USACAPOC (US), Rep. Dick Murray.  

"Hymn to the Fallen" (From saving Private Ryan)  floats on the air  which was played by Joint based Lewis-McChord, WA 56th Army Band, MC: Misuk  Lee, and Sungwoo Hong opened The 66th Anniversary of the Korean War Commenmoration at 11:00 AM and marched by Posting of the Colors with Flags salute by 1 corps Honor Guard  while continued with Korean National Anthem and The Star Spangled Banner.

And with silent moment and  Gun Salute was given by 555 Engineers Brigade which was showing more great respect for the Korean War Commemoration as the 66 years anniversary and moment of silence with Tap sound.  Eventually, the Laying of Wreaths started by the organizations to carried the flowers and individual people which were introduced by MC: Misuk  Lee, and Sungwoo Hong.

Continued with Laying of Wreaths by Organizations and individuals.  Meanwhild, MC: Misuk  Lee, and Sungwoo Hong introduced distinguished guests: Consul General of Seattle, Moon, Duk-ho, Ret. US Major General John Hemphill, MG. Thomas S. James, Commanding General, 7th ID, Senator Karen Fraser, Wa State, Bob Jones, Governor's Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee, Secretary of State, Kim Wyman, Paul A. Pastor (Pierce County Sheriff), Moan McBride (Wa House of Representatives), Roberto Valencia (N. Jr. 1SG USARmy USACAPOC(US).

Welcome remark by Korean War Meritorious Veterans League (President Chang Rae Lee)

Dear heroes of the Korean War Veterans, honorable Consul General, Community Leaders,  and the guests, Thank you for your coming to The 66th anniversary of the Korean War Memorial Service, some veterans may not have good condition.  

I regret to inform you that retired Major General, Park Nam Pyo was not able to attend due to his health condition that he has done passionate support to build the  commemorate Monument in here  for Korea War veterans.

When the North Korea communists pushed the 38th parallel attacked  in June 25, 2015, President Truman made decision in 10 second and sent militaries as soon as found this dangerous attack.

There is no South Korea if President did not make fast wise decision.

Consul General Moon Duk-ho:  Thank you for having me here to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Korean War at the State Capitol. As you know, my top priority as Consul General in Seattle is maintaining close contact with Korean War veterans and their families. I always feel solemn and privileged to express the gratitude of the government of the Republic of Korea and its people to you, our genuine friend and ally. The Korean War ended more than 60 years ago, but its memory and legacy lingers in all corners of Korea. Now is the time for both Korea and the United States to celebrate our victory together.

We have remained your close ally since 1953. Both Korean and American soldiers fought together side-by-side to overcome all the obstacles of the frontlines of the Vietnam War.  While I served in Vietnam in 1992 as 2nd Secretary at our embassy, I came to realize that the ROK Marine Corps emulated the U.S. Marine Corps. Both share a special bond.

First and foremost among your military force is the I Corps. We have fostered a deep, mutual respect during our many collaborative efforts.  I strongly believe that the I Corps will play a pivotal role in the United States rebalance to Asia.  On my Mission’s part, we value our relations with the I Corps and look forward to working together.

The Korean Peninsula is still divided, and North Korea’s despotic leader is not feeding its people. It’s too bad that this bad guy continues to sharpen its nuclear arsenal, including the development of ballistic missiles. Just three days ago, North Korea again challenged the international community by firing two ballistic missiles called Musudan.  Musudans are believed to have an intermediate range of 3,000 to 4,000 km. This missile launch is very worrisome and it constituted a clear violation of UNSC resolutions and international norms. In response, my government and your administration are more than united in our determination to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

Since the Korean War’s end in 1953, the United States and the American people have graciously accepted Korean immigrants, including military wives and war orphans. Your government provided them with every opportunity to realize the American Dream.

Now many people in the United States enjoy Korean pop music and the Korean Wave of entertainment. I feel very confident that our younger generation will reach out into the world to realize their potential and dreams. These dreams will drive my country and its economy on the right track.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Korean-community nearly numbers 100,000. Recently, more and more younger generations are rushing to this region to be hired by global companies such as Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks. I feel very proud to see that our Korean community is an integral part of American society, contributing to every aspect of social development. And I am asking our 2nd generation immigrants and young professionals to assume more public sector posts and make our voices heard.  Political empowerment and involvement in the political process is really necessary for our community.

As the U.S. and East Asia share the Pacific Ocean, we fully appreciate your government’s rebalance to Asia.  Especially with Northeast Asia increasing its trade and investment volume with the West Coast, the future of the global economy depends on our trans-Pacific economic interactions.

Thank you again for your service and sacrifice. We – the Korean government, its people, and the Korean community – will always stand at your side.

Retired Major General, Hemphil:  Consul General Moon, Secretary of state, Kim  Wyman, Senator Fraser, my fellow veterans, ladies and gentlemen.

When World War Two ended, the United States and most of the war weary world believed that peace had been achieved.

Consequently, the United States provided the new Republic of Korea with only limited arms to organize a constabulary to police the boundary that split the Korean Peninsula.

Eventually, the United States supported with limited arms and equipment, the development of a defensively oriented South Korean Army.  Its divisions lacked the supporting artillery and tanks of United States divisions and had no effective arms to fight tanks.  There was a more limited navy and air force with no combat capability.

We know today, that the Communist had world domination, not peace, as their goal.  The Soviet Union would provide the arms and training for their vassal state, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, for an army of ten divisions supported by a combat air force.  This army and air force were trained and equipped to attack and conquer.

Many  vividly remember the North Korean early morning  attack of 66 years ago into the Republic of Korea.  South Korea’s army held initially in the vital Seoul area, but could not stop the larger enemy force along the entire front.

Immediately, the free world led by the United States, rose up against this first major communist aggression of the Cold War.   Fifteen United Nations countries sent combat units with others providing medical and humanitarian support.

The Republic of Korea had men to be soldiers beyond this Country’s capability to form fighting units.  Before the breakout from Pusan, South Korean soldiers were sent to Japan to be soldiers in a United States Amy division.   

The rifle company that I commanded had about 25 percent Korean Augmentation to the United States Army known as “Katusa.”  There was the same augmentation in almost all United States Army units.

South Korea continued to activate and train more divisions throughout the entire three years of combat.  But the South Korean divisions did not have the artillery and other combat supporting capability of   United States Army divisions.  

When the fighting stopped with an armistice three years later, the Republic of Korea had more soldiers, sailors, Marines and airman in its Armed Forces than the total of United Nations forces in Korean and its surrounding waters.

It was only an armistice on July 27, 1953.  Shooting stopped.  But the war did not end.  Today, armed soldiers from both sides face each across a strip known as the Demilitarized Zone.   There is no real peace.

Last July, I had the pleasure to visit Republic of Korea Army and Navy combat units. The Army’s divisions have the same artillery, tanks and other combat capability of a United States Army division.  

Today, Korean Divisions are a much more powerful combat force than during the Korean War.  Navy ships are modern, and designed and armed for fighting in the Korean Peninsula region.    

Today, Republic of Korea soldier, sailors, Marines and airman are well trained and physically tough.  The noncommissioned officers are experienced.  Officers are well educated and know the art of combat leadership.  Senior leaders have years of experience in training and preparing their units for combat.   

All know that their citizens depend upon them for their freedom.  

The South Korean Armed Forces will win if the North tries to repeat its invasion of 66 years ago.

Thank you.
 

MG. Thomas S. James: Commanding General. 7th ID

MG. Thomas S. James: Commanding General. 7th ID:  The summertime was equally as miserable with heat that swelled above 100 degrees and dust so thick days and nights blended together.

7th Division Soldiers remained. They fought alongside troops from the Korean Army from Inchon Landing at the start of the war, all the way to their ordered retreat from Pork Chop Hill when the Armistice Agreement was signed.

During the Korean War, the division saw a total of 850 days of combat, suffering 15,126 casualties, including 3,905 killed in action and 10,858 wounded. Thirteen members of the division received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Korean War.

After the signing of the Armistice Agreement, 7th Infantry Division remained on defensive duty for the next few years protecting the Demilitarized Zone at the 38th parallel.   

This relationship continues today as I Corps is aligned with the Asia-Pacific Rebalance.  

Our 38th Chief of Staff of the Army, General Raymond T. Odierno said “For more than 60 years our alliance with the Republic of Korea has been critical to maintaining peace and stability in the region.  Soldiers from both countries remain steadfast in their commitment to the mission.”

7th Infantry Division and the Third Republic of Korea Army participate annually in exercises together to ensure our interoperability and relationship remains at a high-state of readiness.

This heritage of respect and alliance has its foundation in the Korean War.  The veterans shared those three years of turmoil and gained an alliance which continues to prosper.  

Let us not forget the human aspect of the Korean War.  When our troops returned from Korea, America did not give them the proper welcome home.  Many troops simply changed out of their uniforms and went back to work in their communities.  

We take pride in the progress of history that has turned the Korean War from a forgotten war into a war most worthy of remembrance.  

To quote President Obama, “Korea reminds us that when we send our troops into battle, they deserve the support and gratitude of the American people -- especially when they come home.”  Today, let us remember that -- right now -- our sons and daughters continue to risk their lives, in places like, in Afghanistan and Iraq.  And as we welcome them home, we will make it our mission to give them the respect care and the opportunities they have earned.

Thank you once again for allowing me to speak here today.  May God Bless the United States of America!

Army Strong, Courage, Trust In Me!
 

Washington State  Senator Karen Fraser

Washington State Senator Karen Fraser:  Thank you to each of you for coming to Olympia today---to your state capital today

Thank you for coming to this very special Memorial on our Capital Campus---The Korean War Memorial.

Thank you to the dedicated organizers of today’s Commemoration, to the outstanding and inspiring speakers, and to veterans and their families.

The purposes of this Memorial are:

1) To express the gratitude of the citizens of Washington for all who served in Korea,  

2) To project the spirit of service, willingness to sacrifice, and our dedication to freedom, and

3) To remember and appreciate all who lost their lives in this particularly brutal War.

I’ve looked at various estimates of the number of troops who served and the number who died.  By my calculations, about one out of three who served died.  This is an extraordinary, startling rate of loss of life.

Nationally, about 1.5 million served and 53,000 lost their lives.  

From the State of Washington, about 122,000 served, and 528 died.  Their names are permanently engraved on this Memorial.

This was a huge commitment and a huge tragic loss that has ongoing impacts on global relationships and ongoing intergenerational implications, including the heartfelt desire for family reunification.  

I ask myself:  why does this happen?

We must remember.

THE MEMORIAL

I’ve had a lot of association with this Memorial.  During my first year in the Legislature, 1989, we authorized its creation.

I remember the four-year fundraising campaign. Thank you to the Chosin Few, a veterans’ service organization of Korean War veterans who served in one of the bloodiest battles during the war who spearheaded the fundraising effort.  Thank you to contributors, including the State of Washington, who made this legacy possible.

I remember the design competition.

I remember the memorable day when the final design was unveiled---in the State Reception Room in the Legislative Building---which I attended.

I remember it being built---with the two-ton sculpture being brought in by helicopter.

I remember participating in the well-attended, very formal dedication ceremony on July 24, 1993---23 years ago.

Because my Legislative District includes the State Capitol Campus, I walk around the Campus frequently.  When I walk by this Memorial, I’m always somewhat taken aback by and somewhat puzzled by the phrase prominently engraved on it, “The Forgotten War.”

I think we should give some consideration to Consul General Moon’s suggestion that it be rephrased to something like, “The Victorious War.”

The Korean War is not forgotten by me.

    I remember the War when I was a child.

    I have visited Korea several times, and have visited the DMZ twice---which I think is truly the strangest place in the world.

The Korean War can’t be forgotten by any of us. The War is not over. We hear about it regularly.  US troops and Korean troops are still engaged together.    Many are from Joint Base Lewis McChord near here.  

So, the Korean War is not forgotten for me.

It is certainly not forgotten by each of you here today.

It is certainly not forgotten by families and friends and descendants of those who served.

It is certainly not forgotten by the thousands of military personnel who have served there during past decades, and who continue to serve in Korea today.  

The Memorial’s design is truly inspired.  It rightfully honors the rank and file soldiers, who suffered not only through combat, but also in their daily lives.  The sculpture depicts them realistically.  Here they are:  exhausted, huddled in the cold rain, trying to start a fire to eat a meager meal.

While most of the fighting took place on land, should remember that some of the fighting took place in the air and on the seas.

We should also today remember and appreciate:  

The many people who were wounded.

The many people who sacrificed to play support roles.

The many people who were abducted, or went missing.

The families and friends who lost loved ones, and cared for the wounded

The succeeding generations whose lives are forever marked by their parents’ and Grandparents’ experiences during the Korean War.    

The Memorial appropriately also honors the 22 countries that joined the US in the War effort.   

While this is a somber day of remembrance, it is also a day to reflect on so many positives.  These include:

•  The stronger than ever bonds between the US and Korea, particularly between Washington State and Korea.

•  The many people of Korean heritage who live in Washington---

        Our friends and neighbors,

        Our business owners,

        People who contribute unselfishly to the betterment of our communities, and Who add to the wonderful cultural mix of Washington

•  The joy of seeing how well Korea as a country is thriving.  Korea went from devastation to becoming one of the strongest economies in the world.

As we remember the Korean War, and pay tribute to those who suffered and died, let us never forget their commitment, and today rededicate ourselves to freedom, peace, international friendship, and

intercultural appreciation.  

Thank you.

President of WAKAA Insim Hong.  

President of WAKAA Insim Hong appreciated to all veterans,  volunteers and to all guests. She expressed that she sincerely pray and hope that there is no more  saddest war like Korean War, 66 years ago in Korea.

Poam (Freedom is not free): Narrated by Sohyoung Ji  

Bob Jones: Governor's Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee

Appreciated to all Veterans and their sacrifies will never be forgotten.

Color guard Return to Ranks by 1 Corp Honor Guard

Color guard Return to Ranks by 1 Corp Honor Guard
and The 56th Army Band

Click icons to view bigger photos for the