[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 27 (Monday, March 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING VETERANS ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, recently, the House of Representatives joined 
together in a bipartisan fashion to pass House Joint Resolution 86, 
legislation recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Korean war and 
commending the bravery and patriotism of the 5.72 million men and women 
who fought bravely in that conflict. I have spoken with many New 
Jerseyans who served in the Korean war, and I can tell you, this 
tribute is long overdue.
  Too often we hear the Korean war referred to as the ``forgotten 
war,'' because it was sandwiched between this Nation's victory in World 
War II and the Vietnam war. Because of that, the over 55,000 men and 
women who lost their lives in the Korean war, and those who served, 
sometimes do not receive the recognition and gratitude that they are 
owed. I am hopeful that Congress' passage of this legislation will 
serve as a first step towards reversing that gross inequity.
  Victory during World War II signaled the beginning of a world where 
the United States shouldered the role of undisputed leader of the free 
world. America was the only democratic power capable of responding to 
the spreading advances of communism when North Korea commenced its 
attack on the south. With the aid of the Soviet Union and China, North 
Korea thought they would swiftly and easily unite the Korean peninsula 
under communist rule. Only through the blood and sacrifice of men in a 
thousand dark battles, was the tide turned and freedom restored.
  The determination that America showed in Korea set in motion the 
events that ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end 
of Soviet communism. By standing up for freedom and democracy in South 
Korea we sent a clear message that where democracy was threatened, the 
United States would stand firm. Here in Washington, DC, the inscription 
at the Korean Memorial reminds us that ``freedom is not free,'' and 
that the young American men and women who have been willing to pay the 
price for freedom are owed a tremendous debt of gratitude. We must 
remember their sacrifices.
  Mr. Speaker, the brave men and women who served in the Korean war 
fought not for personal gain, but rather to insure freedom for all 
generations to come. We must not forget what their blood bought. I hope 
my colleagues will join with me to honor and call attention to our 
nation's Korean war veterans.

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