[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 108 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H7192-H7195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE YEAR OF THE 
                           KOREAN WAR VETERAN

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 212) recognizing and 
supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Korean War Veteran, 
and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 212

       Whereas 50 years ago, 1,800,000 Americans answered the call 
     to defend freedom in South Korea and fought the common foe of 
     communism with 21 allied countries under the banner of the 
     United Nations;
       Whereas the United States suffered 36,576 dead and 103,284 
     wounded during the Korean War in some of the most horrific 
     conditions in the history of warfare;
       Whereas the Nation's Korean War veterans did not receive 
     the proper welcome home, thanks, or recognition for selfless 
     service and sacrifice that had been given to veterans of 
     previous wars;
       Whereas the bravery and sacrifices of the Nation's Korean 
     War veterans and their families and next of kin should be 
     properly honored and recognized, and the American people wish 
     to join in thanking and honoring Korean War veterans and 
     their families;
       Whereas it is important to include the history of the 
     Korean War in the curricula of the Nation's schools so that 
     future generations will learn about and appreciate the 
     sacrifices of Korean War heroes;
       Whereas the final year of the 50th Anniversary of the 
     Korean War Commemoration should be recognized by a national 
     effort of programs and activities to officially thank, honor, 
     and welcome home the Nation's Korean War veterans and to 
     officially thank and honor their families and next of kin; 
     and
       Whereas 2003 marks the final year of the United States 50th 
     Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration and the 50th year 
     of the Armistice, and efforts are under way to designate 2003 
     as the Year of the Korean War Veteran: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) declares to the Nation and the world that the American 
     people will never forget the Nation's Korean War veterans or 
     those who served the Nation on the home front during the 
     Korean War;
       (2) recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of the 
     Year of the Korean War Veteran;
       (3) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling 
     on the people of the United States to observe the Year of the 
     Korean War Veteran with appropriate ceremonies and activities 
     to thank, honor, and welcome home the Nation's Korean War 
     veterans; and
       (4) urges the chief executive officers of the States, and 
     the chief executive officers of the political subdivisions of 
     the States, to each issue a proclamation calling upon their 
     citizens to ``Pause to Remember'' the Nation's Korean War 
     veterans and their families and next of kin with appropriate 
     ceremonies and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
   Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 212, a 
concurrent resolution introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson).
   This resolution recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of the 
Year of the Korean War Veteran. This year marks the final year of the 
United States' 50th anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration and the 
50th year of the armistice. While actual hostilities occurred from June 
27, 1950, through July 7, 1953, Congress extended the war period from 
January 31, 1955, for veterans benefits eligibility because of the 
uneasy period following the end of hostilities.
   Mr. Speaker, I would like to share some facts about the Korean War. 
Between the period of June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955, the Korean 
War period, 6.8 million American men and women served in the Armed 
Forces of the United States. Between June 28 of

[[Page H7193]]

1950 and July 27, 1953, 54,200 Americans died in service. Of these, 
36,576 were deaths due directly to the war. Mr. Speaker, 131 Korean War 
veterans received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest 
military declaration our Nation bestows. Today, there are approximately 
3.7 million Korean War veterans still living.
   This period in our Nation's history, Mr. Speaker, has often been 
referred to as the Forgotten War. But that is being remedied, and 
Congress is doing its part. On July 25 of 1995, the Korean War Memorial 
was dedicated on the Mall.
   The sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam 
Johnson), served 29 years in the U.S. Air Force and flew combat 
missions in both the Korean and the Vietnam wars. He was a prisoner of 
war in Hanoi, North Vietnam, for almost 7 years. The gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) is a very modest man. I do not want to 
embarrass him when he reads about this, but he is truly an American 
hero. I can think of no more appropriate person to introduce the 
resolution on the observance of the Year of the Korean War Veteran. I 
salute the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson). I believe that every 
Member of this body on both sides of the aisle salutes him. We also 
thank the other cosponsors, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), 
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), and the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Conyers), all veterans of Korea, for their military 
service to our country.
   Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 212 would serve to remind all Americans of 
the first war America fought to stop the spread of Communist tyranny 
and would encourage activities honoring Korean War veterans for their 
courageous sacrifice on behalf of all of us. America will not forget 
the veterans of the Korean War. I am pleased we are considering this 
resolution at this appropriate time. I want to again thank the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the majority 
leader, for scheduling this resolution the week of the 50th year of the 
armistice.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
   Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House concurrent resolution 
212 and commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), our 
chairman, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), our ranking 
Democratic member, for bringing this important measure directly to this 
body for consideration on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the 
signing of the Korean War armistice. The bill calls on American 
citizens to thank those who served in uniform during that difficult 
time a half century ago.
   Often called the Forgotten Veterans, it was a generation that served 
in a war wedged in time between the jubilation from resounding 
victories over tyranny in Europe and the Pacific, and a war in 
Southeast Asia whose unpopularity and length seized the subsequent 2 
decades. Having served, they silently, without fanfare or formality, 
slipped back into civilian clothes and resumed their lives.
   The courageous individuals who stepped forward into the Korean War 
left their jobs, schools, homes, and families to respond to an 
especially daunting threat to freedom on the other side of the world. 
While all wars are horrific, their battlefield brought forth a 
particularly ruthless enemy and a unique brutality, including an 
unyieldingly harsh climate.
   I am proud and privileged to serve with several colleagues who 
emerged from that unimaginable experience, including the distinguished 
author and original cosponsors of this bill, as well as those who 
served in uniform elsewhere in that era.
   I wholeheartedly endorse the measure, and I urge its swift passage, 
not only in recognition of the Korean War heroes who stand among us, 
but also for those who are with us in memory only.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my 
colleagues to recognize and to support the goals and ideals of the Year 
of the Korean War Veteran. Over 50 years ago, 1.8 million Americans 
answered the call to defend freedom and democracy in South Korea. They 
fought shoulder to shoulder with 21 allied countries under the banner 
of the United Nations.
  The United States suffered 36,577 dead and 103,284 wounded during the 
Korean War in some of the most horrific conditions in the history of 
warfare. In my state of Texas alone, 289,000 served in the Korean War. 
More than 1,700 Texans were killed or are missing in action. Sadly, 
many of our Korean War veterans did not receive the proper welcome home 
or thanks for their selfless service and sacrifice. They did not 
receive the recognition that had been given to veterans of previous 
wars. It is fitting then, that on the floor of the House we recognize 
and properly honor the bravery and sacrifices of our Korean War 
veterans and their families.
  This year marks the final year of the United States' 50th Anniversary 
of the Korean War Commemoration and the 50th year of the Armistice. We 
should not only recognize the valor and sacrifice of those veterans but 
we should go one step farther, to ensure that our veterans' hospitals 
are fully funded and properly staffed. We should see to it that 
Medicare has a true prescription drug benefit package that will allow 
our veterans to afford the medication they need. We should provide a 
child tax credit for their grandchildren. If we truly want to honor our 
veterans, we must make sure we have social security funds that will 
take care of them. We are indebted to our veterans for their service, 
and this is the least we can do.
  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor those who served in the 
Korean War and their families. Today, we are on the floor of the House 
of Representatives to consider House Concurrent Resolution 212 to pay 
tribute to the veterans of the Korean War and to support the goals of 
the Year of the Korean War Veteran. I fully support this legislation 
and ask my colleagues to do the same.
  Fifty-three years ago, this country asked its citizens to defend the 
freedom of the South Korean people from an invading army and 1,800,000 
Americans answered that call. Joined by twenty-one allied nations, 
under the banner of the United Nations, these brave Americans fought 
through some of the most terrible and horrific conditions in the 
history of warfare to protect the freedom of people in need.
  Fifty years ago a cease fire brought the fighting in the Korean War 
to an end and allowed our brave soldiers to be reunited with their 
waiting and anxious families. Sadly, not everyone made it back home. 
Over 36,000 Americans died during three years of fighting and we honor 
their memory today.
  Those that did return home were not greeted with the proper `welcome 
home' that had been given to veterans of previous wars. Korean War 
veterans were not shown the recognition, gratitude and honor they 
deserved. For their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice 
defending freedom and liberty, the brave men and women who served in 
the Korean War became veterans of the `forgotten' war.
  There are over 22,000 veterans from the era of the `forgotten' war 
living in Maine, and I rise today to let them know that their bravery 
and sacrifice, and the bravery and sacrifice of their families will 
never be forgotten. I am pleased that the House is considering this 
important legislation. I fully support House Concurrent Resolution 212 
to honor the veterans of the Korean War and their families and to 
recognize and support the goals and ideals of the Year of the Korean 
War Veteran.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the final year 
of the United States' 50th anniversary of the Korean War commemoration. 
Beginning on June 25, 2000, which marked the 50th anniversary of the 
invasion of South Korea, the commemoration period will continue through 
Veterans's Day of this year.
  This Sunday, July 27th holds special significance because it will 
mark the 50th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
  Begun only five years after the end of World War II, the Korean War 
was, in many ways, the first reminder that America must remain the 
world's leading force for peace, prosperity and freedom--a 
responsibility we still hold today.
  Called to fight back the brutal forces of communism, 1,800,000 
Americans courageously participated in the Korean War. The United 
States suffered over 36,000 dead and over 100,000 wounded in some of 
the most horrific conditions in the history of warfare.
  The service and sacrifices of our Korean War veterans 50 years ago 
saved a nation from communities enslavement and gave South Korea the 
opportunity to develop and flourish under freedom and democracy.
  Sadly, the Korean War is sometimes referred to as the ``forgotten 
war.''
  Perhaps it was the mood of a nation wanting to return to peace after 
the Second World War. But for the U.S. men and women who served, and 
for the families and friends of

[[Page H7194]]

those who paid the ultimate price, the Korean War can never be 
forgotten.
  May this resolution, along with all the Korean War commemoration 
events taking place this year across the country, send a message, loud 
and clear, that ``we will never forget.''
  All Americans must know, as the words etched on the Korean War 
Memorial reminds us, ``Freedom is Not Free.'' It cannot be taken for 
granted. Should this great country wish to preserve its freedom, we 
must pay tribute to those who paid the price for freedom.
  Korean War veterans, I salute you.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
212, offered by my friend and colleague, Representative Sam Johnson.
  This resolution properly recognizes the service sacrifice of the 22 
nations, thousands of American service members, and millions of South 
Korean citizens who stood together half a century ago in defense of the 
principle of freedom.
  The Korean Conflict is often referred to as the Forgotten War. Yet, 
this war is only ``forgotten'' by those who have not been blessed with 
the teachings of history--not by the millions of Americans, whose lives 
have been touched in so many ways by those committed to opposing 
tyranny and injustice, regardless of the sacrifices required.
  America entered the Korean War with a military made up of a mix of 
war-scarred servicemen and women toughened by the hard lessons of 
Guadalcanal, Okinawa and Normandy, as well as a new generation of 
soldiers and sailors who had only seen war on the silver screen, and a 
newly created Air Force.
  After three long, bloody years, the fighting ended. We had rebuilt a 
military that became, even by today's standards, one of the most 
coherent fighting forces in the world. The alliance, consisting of 
units from 22 nations, supported an armistice that prevented the 
potential death of millions more in a savage, spreading war, and 
permitted South Korea to flourish into a miracle of freedom that we 
witness today.
  Tragically, nearly 37,000 American soldiers fell on the fields of 
battle and lost their lives in the Korean War.
  There were also far too many who were taken prisoner or met an 
unknown fate, whose ranks of over 8,000 remain today unaccounted for, 
but never forgotten. Indeed today, this nation continues to search for 
every missing warrior who fought to preserve the freedom we cherish; we 
seek and demand the fullest possible accounting of America's fallen 
heroes.
  It is our solemn promise that we will never forget or forsake them.
  Nor will we forget the veterans who returned home to help reshape 
this nation and the world. And while some returned to parades and 
fanfare, many returned quietly without public recognition and the 
``thanks'' they deserved.
  On July 27, 2003, our nation will commemorate the 50th anniversary of 
the armistice with North Korea--giving us the opportunity to reaffirm 
our appreciation and extend the gratitude some soldiers never received. 
Many Americans, including the thousands of veterans and their families 
from that war, will take a moment to remember the meaning of their 
service: whether they rest in Korea, remain unaccounted for, or have 
returned home to their families and the freedom they fought to defend.
  More than 1.5 million Americans served during the Korean War. Today, 
Americans are still there on-point, still defending freedom in Korea. 
Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines serve alongside their South 
Korean counterparts, astride what has been called the world's most 
dangerous border.
  We pause today to recall with gratitude the sacrifices of all 
veterans who have served the causes of democracy and freedom. To the 
veterans of the Korean War and their families, we especially offer our 
thanks. The world could be a significantly less friendly place if you 
had not stepped forward selflessly when you were needed. Thank you.
  Mr. Speaker, from Korea to Iraq, let's not forget the sacrifices our 
men and women in uniform, and indeed their families have made on behalf 
of this great country.
  Remember too, that on any given day, there are Americans on guard, 
demonstrating and defending democracy and freedom in over 100 countries 
around the world.
  God bless our service members, our veterans and their families.
  God bless America.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in wholehearted 
support of H. Con. Res. 212. I commend Congressman Sam Johnson, a true 
patriot, for introducing this legislation. I cannot think of a more 
appropriate individual to lead this commemorative charge to honor those 
who fought courageously and fearlessly for our country than this 
veteran who himself flew 62 combat missions in the Korean Conflict.
  The Korean War marked the first time in history that the United 
Nations sent armed forces into combat to stop aggression. Armed forces 
and medical support units from 20 allied United Nations member states, 
along with the Republic of Korea and Italy, teamed together to halt the 
attempted communist takeover of the Republic of Korea. The services and 
sacrifices of our Korean War veterans a half-century ago saved a nation 
from enslavement and a world from communist domination. Our troops gave 
the emerging country of South Korea the opportunity to develop and 
flourish under freedom and democracy into the successful, modern nation 
it is today.
  1.8 million heroic Americans answered the call to defend freedom and 
fight back the forces of communism. America suffered 36,577 dead and 
103,284 wounded in some of the most horrific conditions ever known in 
history of warfare. Louie Kerr wrote of spending Christmas Day, 1950, 
on the Inchon River:

       December 25, 1950: I was a young sailor just out of boot 
     camp when our ship, the U.S.S. Graffias AF28 was sent to 
     Korea in support of our counterparts. After spending eighteen 
     months there we had many adventures and stories to tell. But 
     my most memorable one was the time we went up the Inchon 
     River while taking small arms fire from the beach on 
     Christmas Day to take food and supplies up to the First 
     Marine Division who was tied down and unable to get supplies 
     into them. I have talked to a few of them since the war, and 
     believe me, they remember that day when they ate their turkey 
     and ham and fresh fruit and nuts. We ate our Christmas Dinner 
     the next day, but I don't think there was a single man on 
     board who resented it.

  On the heels of World War II, Korea was in many ways, the first 
reminder that America must remain the world's leading force for peace, 
prosperity, and freedom. The Korean War is often referred to as the 
``Forgotten War,'' but this resolution will help to see that Louie 
Kerr's service and that of so many, many others must never be 
forgotten.
  Fifty years ago this Sunday, the armistice was signed, ending the 
fighting in Korea and halting the spread of communism. American forces 
and those of her allies had thwarted the rise of communist power and 
North Korea's invasion into South Korea.
  In May, I had the opportunity to visit North Korea. In Pyongyang, I 
saw firsthand the fate from which America rescued the people of South 
Korea in its commitment to freedom around the world. I saw a large 
city, trapped in time, oppressed by a bully regime intent on holding 
its people hostage for spoils their people will never know.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 212 recognizes and supports the goals and 
ideals of designating 2003 the Year of the Korean Veteran and to 
commend the sacrifices made by all Korean War veterans. This resolution 
will engage committed communities, school, civic organizations, 
businesses, media and social agencies and organizations nationwide in 
the quest to honor and remember those who have paid the ultimate price, 
and who remind this great nation that Freedom Is Not Free.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 212. During 
the last year that we observe the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, 
this resolution would honor the 1,800,000 Americans who courageously 
served in Korea by recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of 
2003 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran. With the passage of this 
resolution, Congress would call upon the President and state leaders to 
urge Americans to mark the Year of the Korean War Veteran with events 
that remember all those who so bravely fought in the defense of 
freedom. H. Con. Res. 212 shows our veterans that their courage and 
sacrifice will never be forgotten.
  A veteran myself, I represent thousands of Korean War veterans living 
in my home district of El Paso, Texas. During my time in Congress I 
have gotten to know many of these exceptional men and women, and I have 
gained an understanding of the dreadful conditions they were forced to 
face in Korea. As a member of the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs, 
I am grateful to have this opportunity to simply thank them, and to 
honor them for their service to our country.
  Too many Americans know the Korean War as the ``Forgotten War,'' as a 
blurb lost in their high school history books among better known wars. 
Yet the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the advancements they made 
for democracy are no less significant and no less deserving of our 
respect. The price paid by the 36,577 Americans who were killed in 
Korea and the 103,284 who were wounded is testimony to that fact. The 
time has come to properly recognize and respectfully honor veterans of 
the Korean War. I hope all my colleagues will join me in support of 
this resolution.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
   Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
   The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by 
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.

[[Page H7195]]

Smith) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent 
resolution, H. Con. Res. 212, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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