[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTBREAK OF THE KOREAN WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, sixty years ago today, half 
a world away, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea invaded the 
Republic of Korea. Soon after, President Harry Truman committed 
American forces to assist the South Koreans. So began a struggle 
between those seeking freedom and those seeking to expand the dark 
shadow of communism. An estimated one hundred thousand Americans were 
wounded, fifty thousand killed, and five thousand missing in action 
during the conflict.
  Korean War veterans are a unique class of Americans. Those who served 
their country during 1950 to 1953 were raised during the Depression and 
had experienced World War II, either in the military or on the home 
front. They grew up in a time of great patriotism--a time when words 
like duty, honor, and country carried great weight. When their tour of 
duty ended, most of them returned to the States with little fanfare, 
picked up their pre-war lives, and carried on.
  In the eyes of history, the Korean War is often referred to as the 
``Forgotten War.'' But millions of Americans, including me, have not 
forgotten the heroism exhibited by the men and women who placed 
themselves in harm's way. Without their sacrifice, it is unlikely that 
South Korea would have become the free and prosperous nation that it is 
today. Therefore, I was honored to cosponsor H.J. Res. 86, which 
recognizes the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and 
reaffirms the U.S-Korea Alliance. I'm pleased that this resolution 
recently passed the House by voice vote.
  While we must not forget the past, we must also act swiftly and 
decisively in the present. In May, after the tragic sinking of the 
Cheonan, I cosponsored H. Res. 1382 to express sympathy for the 
families of those killed by North Korea, and solidarity with the 
Republic of Korea. As evidence of the U.S. commitment to defending the 
Republic of Korea, this Resolution passed with overwhelming bi-partisan 
support. Tolerating continued North Korean hostility will only serve to 
weaken inter-Korean relations and result in the further destabilization 
of the region.
  Despite the recently-renewed conflict, we should recognize that South 
Korea's progress is an encouragement and a model for other nations. 
After hostilities subsided in 1953, Korea was faced with the daunting 
task of recovering from the carnage and bloodshed of war. South Korea 
was an economically weak nation; in fact it was one of the poorest 
nations on earth. Yet today, the Republic of Korea has one of the most 
vibrant and successful export-oriented economies in the world. This 
historical record provides hope that, with our persistent efforts, both 
harmony and prosperity are possible on the Korean Peninsula.
  We must remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives 
so that South Korea could be the free and flourishing nation that it is 
today. In their honor, we continue the struggle for peace on the Korean 
Peninsula.

                          ____________________