“The Korean War is often referred to as ‘The Forgotten War,’ but the mark it left on those who served and on the history of America, Korea, and the world is indelible,” Congressman Lipinski (IL-3) said. “A group of dedicated individuals, led by Korean War veteran Denis Healy, have begun work on locating a Korean War National Museum in Chicago. Together with my colleague from Illinois, Rep. Peter Roskam, I introduced this amendment to support the effort to establish such a museum, which will educate the public about the Korean War, commemorate the sacrifices made by those who served, and celebrate the advances in freedom and democracy made by South Korea. The veterans of this important conflict deserve our recognition, honor, and appreciation.  A national museum will ensure that what they accomplished will forever be remembered.”

Some 36,574 Americans lost their lives in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, making it the fifth-deadliest conflict in U.S. history. Of the approximately 5.7 million Americans who served during the war, 2.44 million are still living. Their efforts halted the spread of communism, making it possible for South Korea to grow into a free, stable, and prosperous democracy even as North Korea has remained one of the most backward and repressive countries on earth. Yet no official national museum exists to preserve the legacy of those who fought in Korea and to honor their service.

Congressman Lipinski’s amendment puts Congress on record in support of establishing a national Korean War Museum in Chicago; commends those spearheading the effort to establish such a museum; and expresses support for increasing awareness of the sacrifices made by our troops in Korea.

“Having recently joined the National Advisory Council of the Korean War National Museum, I was very pleased to offer this amendment and to see it pass, especially given that Memorial Day is just a few days away,” Congressman Lipinski said. “We owe it to all those who served in Korea to establish a national museum commemorating the war, and Chicago is the perfect place for it.”

Korean War National Museum officials are currently seeking to open a temporary location in Chicago while they work to make a permanent museum a reality. A precursor to the museum, the Denis Healy Freedom Center, has been open in Springfield, Ill., since 2009 and features exhibits and a growing collection of artifacts.

Click here to read a copy of Congressman Lipinski’s amendment.

(May 26, 2011)

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