[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE SACRIFICE OF OUR VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month our Nation took the 
time to honor and recognize the tremendous sacrifice our veterans have 
given to protecting our freedom and safeguarding democracy for us all. 
During this special time, it is important we remember all our veterans 
and thank them for their service.
  Today, however, I would like to specifically recognize our Korean War 
Veterans and their service to the United States.
  The Korean War resonates deeply with many Minnesota families. Through 
the duration of the conflict, close to 95,000 Minnesotans served their 
country with honor and courage, with 749 paying the ultimate sacrifice. 
Countless others lost their lives training for service in Korea. One 
hundred seventy remain missing. They were our fathers, mothers, 
brothers and sisters. Their service was integral in ensuring that the 
long arm of communism would stretch no farther than the 39th parallel 
and their sacrifices enabled countless numbers of Americans and Koreans 
to raise their families and live their lives in freedom.
  As we reflect on their service, it is important to remember that the 
armistice ending military action in Korea signaled an end to the 
fighting, but not the war. Today, 37,000 U.S. military personnel remain 
in South Korea to supplement the 650,000-strong South Korean armed 
forces. These men and women serve to protect America's economic and 
political interests in the region, while ensuring our national security 
by providing a counter-balance to North Korea. The dangers our U.S. 
soldiers in South Korea face are very real and the merits of their 
courage is tested everyday.
  In Minnesota, the Korean War veterans remain very active. They visit 
hospitals, are active in their local VFW and American Legion and 
participate in parades. Many take time to visit schools in their area, 
talking to students about the Korean War and answering questions about 
military service. Recently, a large group ascended on Washington, D.C. 
to participate in Veterans Day events and to mark the 50th anniversary 
of the end of the Korean War. In D.C., they participated in the wreath-
laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery and took a tour of the U.S. 
Capitol, among other things. I am inspired by their continued 
patriotism and commitment to their families, the United States, and 
each other.
  As a former Minnesota State Legislator, I had the distinct privilege 
to help enable the creation of a memorial to Minnesota's Korean War 
veterans, that stands today at the Minnesota State Capitol. Near this 
grand memorial is a time capsule, to be opened 100 years after its 
burial. In it lie a U.S. flag, pictures and other memorabilia 
commemorating our war veterans and the important news of our day. The 
capsule also holds a letter to future generations of Americans. The 
letter asks those who read it to never forget the events of the past, 
and expresses hope that when the capsule is opened, our nation and the 
world will be at peace. I, like all Americans, share the optimism that 
when this letter is next read, the hope of its authors has become 
reality.
  I ask all Americans to never forget those of the ``forgotten'' war in 
Korea. At a minimum, Congress should grant the Korean War Veterans 
Association a Federal Charter, allowing the Association to expand its 
mission and further its charitable and benevolent causes. Specifically, 
it will afford the Korean War Veterans Association the same status as 
other major veterans organizations and would allow it to participate as 
part of select committees with other Congressional chartered veterans 
and military groups. While they seek no recognition for what they have 
done, it is important their story is told and the debt of their service 
is remembered.
  Thank you to all our Korean War Veterans. Your commitment to our 
country is greatly appreciated.

                          ____________________