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WASHINGTON - Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), a decorated Korean War veteran, today reintroduced the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act in the United States House of the Representatives to honor the great sacrifices and contributions made by the Korean War Veterans to preserve our freedom.
Fifty-eight years have passed since its outbreak on June 25, 1950, yet the Korean War has never formally ended. In lieu of a peace treaty, a cease-fire armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, leaving in its wake four million military and civilian casualties. HR 6363 will commemorate the Korean War Armistice Day by displaying the flag at half-staff in remembrance and recognition of the Korean War veterans and a war that has yet to end.
"The truest heroes of the Korean War are the thousands who served without question and never returned home to their loved ones," Congressman Rangel said. "This bill is to honor them, especially, as well as to salute their comrades who placed themselves in harm's way in defense of their country. Even as we place this spotlight on the fighting men and women in the Forgotten War, I also wish to remember the tens of thousands of families, both Americans and Koreans, who suffered through this bloody conflict."
Indeed, the Korean War was one of the bloodiest wars fought in the coldest winters. In just three years, US suffered 54,246 casualties and 8,176+-plus POW/MIAs. A total of 26 nations were involved in the War (22 UN Allied, 1 Support; 3 Communist); yet few people understand that the lingering effects of the Korean War and the resulting stalemate continue to impact our world today.
Sandwiched between the World War II and the Vietnam War, the Korean War is often overlooked in the public consciousness and often referenced as the ‘Forgotten War’. “The courageous service and sacrifice of our Korean War veterans must never be forgotten and deserve to be honored. Let us remember the 6.8 million American men and women who served during the Korean War period, June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955. Only 2 million are surviving today and nearly 1,000 die each day," Congressman Rangel said.
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