[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S333-S334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CAMPBELL:
  S.J. Res. 39. A joint resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of 
the Korean War and the service by members of the Armed Forces during 
such war, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.


     resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the korean war

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President. This year will mark the 50th anniversary 
of America's effort in Korea to halt the spread of Communist 
aggression. Today, I am introducing a bill that is of great importance 
to me and the more than 1.5 million American men and women who so 
valiantly fought and supported the U.S. effort in Korea.
  On June 25, 1950, the Communist North Korean military invaded South 
Korea, provoking a swift U.S. response. Two days later, President 
Truman ordered the intervention that eventually involved 22 nations. In 
the three years that the U.S. led this multinational force, more than 
54,000 Americans gave their lives in the fight to preserve our freedom 
and democratic way of life. As many as 92,000 soldiers were wounded and 
more than 8,000 were left behind.
  Despite this struggle and sacrifice, I can clearly remember as a 
young man,

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returning home from my years in Korea, feeling as if no one knew that 
we had ever been gone. It was a harsh, painful conflict that America 
very quickly wanted to place well behind it. I knew then and understand 
now why Korea came to be known as ``The Forgotten War.''
  If you visit the Korean War Memorial at the end of the Mall here in 
Washington, you will see the patrolling squad of 19 weary soldiers 
frozen in motion, their rustled ponchos and obstacles beneath them a 
testament to the harsh conditions and terrain that were endured each 
day of ground combat. On the adjacent granite wall, one will see the 
faint etchings of 2,400 unnamed faces of the men and women who 
contributed in the effort in so many different ways. Clearly displayed 
beyond these images is the message that so profoundly reminds us, 
``Freedom is Not Free.''
  Mr. President, the joint resolution that I introduce today marks the 
passage of these 50 years since the Korean War and recognizes its 
extraordinary significance in our history. Most importantly, it thanks 
and honors the brave men and women who fought so hard to defeat the 
spread of Communism and preserve our freedom and democracy. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to recognize our 
nation's Korean War veterans and mark this historic anniversary.
  I ask unanimous consent that the joint resolution be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the joint resolution was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 39

       Whereas on June 25, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded 
     South Korea with approximately 135,000 troops, thereby 
     initiating the Korean War;
       Whereas on June 27, 1950, President Harry S Truman ordered 
     military intervention in Korea;
       Whereas approximately 5,720,000 members of the Armed Forces 
     served during the Korean War to defeat the spread of 
     communism in Korea and throughout the world;
       Whereas casualties of the United States during the Korean 
     War included 54,260 dead (of whom 33,665 were battle deaths), 
     92,134 wounded, and 8,176 listed as missing in action or 
     prisoners of war; and
       Whereas service by members of the Armed Forces in the 
     Korean War should never be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     Congress--
       (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 50th 
     anniversary of the Korean War;
       (2) expresses the gratitude of the people of the United 
     States to the members of the Armed Forces who served in the 
     Korean War;
       (3) honors the memory of service members who paid the 
     ultimate price for the cause of freedom, including those who 
     remain unaccounted for; and
       (4) calls upon the President to issue a proclamation--
       (A) recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and 
     the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces who served 
     and fought in Korea to defeat the spread of communism; and
       (B) calling upon the people of the United States to observe 
     such anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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