[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1362-E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL DAY, AMERICA IS URGED TO REMEMBER THE FORGOTTEN 
                                  WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Korean War 
Veterans Recognition Act in the United States House of

[[Page E1363]]

Representatives to honor the great sacrifices and contributions made by 
the Korean War veterans to preserve our freedom.
  Fifty-eight years have passed since its outbreak on June 25, 1950, 
yet the Korean War has never formally ended. In lieu of a peace treaty, 
a cease-fire armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, leaving in its wake 
4 million military and civilian casualties. H.R. 6363 will commemorate 
the Korean War Armistice Day by displaying the flag at half-staff in 
remembrance and recognition of the Korean War veterans and a war that 
has yet to end.
  The truest heroes of the Korean War are the thousands who served 
without question and never returned home to their loved ones. This bill 
is to honor them, especially, as well as to salute their comrades who 
placed themselves in harm's way in defense of their country. Even as we 
place this spotlight on the fighting men and women in the Forgotten 
War, I also wish to remember the tens of thousands of families, both 
Americans and Koreans, who suffered through this bloody conflict.
  Indeed, the Korean War was one of the bloodiest wars fought in one of 
the coldest winters. In just 3 years, the United States suffered 54,246 
casualties and 8,176-plus POW/MIAs. A total of 26 nations were involved 
in the War (22 UN Allied, 1 Support; 3 Communist); yet few people 
understand that the lingering effects of the Korean War and the 
resulting stalemate continue to impact our world today.
  Sandwiched between World War II and the Vietnam War, the Korean War 
is often overlooked in the public consciousness and often referenced as 
the `Forgotten War'. The courageous service and sacrifice of our Korean 
War veterans must never be forgotten and deserves to be honored. Let us 
remember the 6.8 million American men and women who served during the 
Korean War period, June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955. Only 2 million 
are surviving today and nearly 1,000 die each day.

                          ____________________