[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED IN KOREA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2005

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, 52 years ago today, on 
July 27, 1953, the United States, North Korea and China signed an 
armistice that officially ended the three-year Korean War. For too many 
Florida veterans, the Korean War has become known as ``The Forgotten 
War,'' sandwiched between World War II and Vietnam. It was through the 
heroic efforts of our men and women in the Armed Forces, however, that 
helped maintain democracy and preserved the spirit of freedom for 
millions on the Korean Peninsula.
  While the signing of the treaty may have ended the conflict, it did 
not end the United States' presence there. Thousands of brave men and 
women served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the three years of the 
war, as well as in the 52 years since the war ended. Today, my office 
is working hand in hand with local veterans groups to identify the 
thousands of 5th District constituents who served in Korea and deserve 
recognition.
  To date, I have proudly presented more than 175 Korean Defense 
Service Medals (KDSM) and more than 400 Korean War Service Medals 
(KWSM) to my veteran constituents. The Department of Defense created 
these medals to recognize the sacrifices and tenure of those soldiers 
who served the United States cause on the Korean Peninsula. It has been 
an honor to present my constituent heroes with these medals and to 
formally thank their families and them for the commitment showed and 
time served.
  This year's 52nd anniversary of the end of the War is an opportunity 
for all Americans and all Floridians to reflect on the sacrifices of 
the thousands of brave soldiers who died defending freedom and 
opportunity in a far away land. The Korean War saw 33,629 Americans 
give their lives for our country and for the sake of world peace. In 
addition to those brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice battling 
communism and oppression, another 103,824 soldiers were wounded, and 
8,177 went missing in action.
  As too many Florida families sadly know, 577 soldiers from our great 
state died during the Korean War. They made the ultimate sacrifice in 
the name of life, liberty and freedom. In addition to those brave 
heroes, we must not forget the more than 1.8 million Americans soldiers 
who have served in Korea since 1950. These are the men and women who I 
have met and presented the KDSM to and who deserve praise for advancing 
the causes of democracy and freedom.

  It was these brave Americans who helped stem the Communist tide in 
Asia. The battle for Korea helped spare Japan from the threat of 
Communist invasion and showed the world that the United States and its 
allies were prepared to resist the Communist advance. This country paid 
a high price in blood for the defense of Korea, but those who fell 
contributed much to the security we enjoy today.
  Today it is clear that the Americans who fought in Korea helped build 
a better world for the Korean people. South Korea has flourished 
spectacularly under U.S. protection while Communist North Korea is in 
dire straits, unable to even feed its people. Like we see today in the 
newly liberated countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, when people have the 
freedom and will to determine their own fate, they will embrace 
democracy and freedom and the right of self-determination.
  As America commemorates the 52nd anniversary of the end of the War, 
residents of the 5th Congressional District can pay tribute to our 
veterans and fallen heroes by visiting Korean War Memorials throughout 
the district, including a brand new memorial that opened this spring in 
Groveland. Take the time to shake the hand of one of our brave soldiers 
and say thank you for defending my freedoms and for making the world a 
safer place. These men and women deserve no less for their sacrifices 
and commitment to freedom.

                          ____________________