[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12225]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       REMEMBERING THE KOREAN WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today I join my constituents 
in the Fifth District of Missouri in remembrance and in commemoration 
of the 50th anniversary of the Korean war. On June 25, 1950 North Korea 
attacked South Korea. An emergency session was called by the United 
Nations Security Council resulting in 22 nations joining forces in the 
first United Nations initiative to preserve peace and harmony. 
President Truman sent our troops to Korea as part of that United 
Nations peace keeping effort to preserve democracy and repel communism.
  This nation must always be cognizant of the message stated on the 
50th Anniversary Korean War Commemorative Flag ``Freedom Is Not Free''. 
We welcome home every Korean veteran and salute their valiant efforts 
on our Nation's behalf I rise today to remember and honor the 54,268 
United States military who tied in the Korean conflict. We must never 
forget that 8,207 are missing in action, and only 3,450 returned of the 
7,000 prisoners taken.
  Let us pray for prisoners of war and those missing in action. We must 
continue to seek information about missing soldiers and provide 
families with long awaited news and closure to years of unanswered 
questions. This nation must always remember and be appreciative of our 
brave sons and daughters who answer the call. Today our military 
stationed in South Korea continue to stand ready and vigilant. I salute 
them for their valiant service.
  In January I had the opportunity to travel to South Korea and visit 
the Korea Demilitarized Zone. During my journey I learned a great deal 
about the importance of a continued U.S. role in the region. The trip 
was a very real reminder that peace and stability still elude us.
  This month the world witnessed the first Korean Summit, a historical 
meeting for a region divided since 1945. South Korea's President Kim 
Dae-jung traveled to North Korea and met with Kim Jon 71, leader of 
North Korea. The talks resulted in a signed agreement, initiating steps 
for reunification. As the world watches with cautious optimism we hope 
for a long-term relationship that will bring peace and stability. While 
today Secretary of State Madeleine Albright announced United States 
troops will remain in South Korea indefinitely despite the improved 
relations in the region, we wait for the day when we can bring our 
United States soldiers home to their families.
  Thank you to all the Korean veterans, their families and those who 
continue to serve.

                          ____________________